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With the start of September, U.S. forces will focus on security, training and advising Iraqi forces rather than play a combat role. President Barack Obama officially announced the withdrawal of troops from Iraq Tuesday.

"It's the greatest news that we've gotten since the war began," Gentle-Hicks said.

Gentle-Hicks, who has served two tours in Iraq, said the change will better prepare Iraqis for when all U.S. troops leave in Dec. 2011.

"These guys can understand that yes, we were there to help them, but it's time to stand on their own now," she said.

Thousands of miles away in Baghdad, Fort Hood Commanding General Lt. Gen. Bob Cone gave an update on the role Fort Hood soldiers will play in the transition.

"What's important to understand, for everyone to understand is on the 1st of September, it's not like we're flipping a switch," he said. "We start these transitions by starting a very long time ahead."

He said the process for this upcoming transition started back in June 2009.

Since troops deployed to Iraq at the beginning of the year, III Corps Headquarters has worked on reducing troop levels in the country. Cone said they have also been responsible for a draw down in materials and equipment along with the closure of bases.

According to Cone, under "Operation New Dawn," the less than 50,000 U.S. forces remaining in the country will continue to train and advise the 660,000 Iraqi forces.

"They are highly capable, they provide the necessary muscle that is needed on the streets of Iraq," he said.

Many Fort Hood soldiers will also join the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment, one of the first to go into the country under “Operation New Dawn."

Even though combat operations have ended, Cone said U.S. soldiers are far from sitting ducks.

"Soldiers that are here will always have the right and responsibility to defend themselves," he said. "We have well-tested rules of engagement here, and if American forces are attacked, they will respond appropriately."

Cone said he does not foresee the U.S. forces finding it necessary to resume combat operations in the 16 months they have remaining in the country.

"It will almost take a complete failure in the Iraqi security forces, they have a lot of muscle, they have a lot of capability with 660,000 soldiers," he said.

While recently there has been an increase in violence in Iraq, Cone said on average the 15 attacks a day are an improvement from what they experienced before.

"Iraq has seen a tremendous decrease in violence, a significant decrease in violence since the days of the surge," he said.

Although it is a historic day for some, for others like Gentle-Hicks, it is an opportunity to remember what it took to get this far.

"It's a good day, it's a great day for everyone, and God bless those who gave their lives," she said.