Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger goes home to California as this year's recipient of the George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service.

Schwarzenegger stepped out in front of nearly 2,500 people at Rudder auditorium Nov. 30. The applause and yells topped almost any movie premiere. But, on this red carpet, former President George H. Bush presented California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with his award for excellence in public service.

Bush praised his service as past Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and his dedication to providing after school programs for children.

"He's demonstrated a life long commitment to improving the lives of others particularly in the area of health, education and youth services," said Bush.

Past recipients of the award include Ted Kennedy and Mikhail Gorbachev once president of the former USSR.

As Schwarzenegger took to the podium, he couldn't help poking fun at one of his favorite political targets.

"Ted Kennedy wanted to come to this event. He wanted to see me get an award, but Thanksgiving was just five days ago, so he's still working at his dinner," said Schwarzenegger.

But, all jokes aside, Schwarzenegger spent the majority of his speech praising the man who was honoring him, former President Bush. Schwarzenegger said Bush is his hero, mentor and teacher.

"He helped teach me that nothing, like walking down the carpet of another movie premiere or having another blockbuster opening of a movie, nothing is as satisfying as spending time with people that need your help and coming up with a solution to make their lives better," said Schwarzenegger.

In a question and answer session, Schwarzenegger was asked about changing the constitution so foreign-born Americans could run for president. He thought it was a good idea, not necessarily for him, but for the future.