BAGHDAD (AP) — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has dropped in on U.S. troops in Iraq, thanking them for the sacrifices they and their families are making.

Schwarzenegger entered a crowded dining hall at Camp Victory on Baghdad's outskirts Monday to a loud roar from the soldiers gathered.

The governor congratulated them on the job they were doing before shaking hands and posing for photographs.

The former bodybuilder also discussed with soldiers the need to work out, reminding them: "You have to pump up every day."

But it wasn't all exercise from Schwarzenegger. He also had a present for the troops, bringing them cigars, which he handed out to the crowd.