UNDATED - President Obama has set a date to remove troops from Iraq. He said the war in Iraq will be over by August 31, 2010. Even so, Obama said he will leave the bulk of troops in place this year. And after combat forces withdraw, 35,000 to 50,000 will stay behind for an additional year and a half for support and counter-terrorism duties.

This announcement comes on the heels of the largest deployment of Oregon Army National Guard Troops since World War II. It's a deployment, some say, is too much for our state to handle.

There is a group of people camping out on the steps of the state capitol building, protesting the deployment. Michele Darr has been there since November 1. She's said she's been fasting for 37 days straight, but you won't find her complaining.

"That's been challenging," said Darr. "But I can't imagine the challenges of being deployed to a war zone."

2,500 soldiers from the 41st Brigade Combat Team will leave for Iraq in July. The soldiers will stay there for at least 10 months. It's a sacrifice, Darr said, the state should not have to make.

"They signed up not to be deployed to war zones but to stay here and protect the state of Oregon," said Darr.

Maj. Cary Miller told KVAL News the National Guard serves both the state and the country. So when the president calls for more troops abroad, the National Guard is required to listen. KVAL News asked Miller why so many people are being called up.

"Our units are on a cycle that's been prepared back at the Department of the Army and the Pentagon," said Miller. "And this is just the normal sequencing of units in theater."

Miller said people are signing up now more than ever.

"It's probably the best we've seen in ten years," said Miller.

He credits great incentives and the nations rising unemployment rate.

"There was a $20,000 signing bonus if somebody were to sign up today," said Miller. "... we are hiring for part time and full time employment."

That signing bonus ends March 1.

As for Michele Darr, she said she'll stay on the capitol steps until the troops are called home.

Miller said there will still be about 4,000 National Guard members on the ground in Oregon and they will be prepared to respond to any kind of emergency.