FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 21, 2015) -- The 316th Cavalry Brigade held a mass re-enlistment ceremony for more than 20 Soldiers Oct. 14 at the brigade headquarters.

Col. William Thigpen, brigade commander, officiated the ceremony.

"Before you represents 196 years of active military service, 32 combat tours, three Purple Heart recipients, four Combat Infantry Badge recipients and nine Combat Action Badge recipients," Thigpen said.

Thigpen told the Soldiers that no matter where the military takes them, they would always have the support and appreciation of the American people.

"Our nation is extremely grateful for your service and sacrifice, but most importantly (your) willingness to continue to serve and to move forward with extreme confidence," he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Devon Robinson, senior brigade career counselor, said the mass re-enlistment was held to recognize Soldiers for their hard work and to promote esprit de corps.

"The ceremony was held to show the Soldiers across the brigade that it's a privilege to continue service. That's key, because the Army is downsizing," Robinson said. "We're not just putting Soldiers out, but we are trying to retain quality Soldiers."

Staff Sgt. Ian Smith re-enlisted for five more years.

"It wasn't a very hard choice," he said. "The military has been my home for nine and a half years now. It's become a part of me, of who I am. To be able to contribute to this great country of ours, as well as to provide for my Family, I think it's not just a great job, but a great career that I have turned this into."

Another Soldier, Sgt. Maranda Moore, added two years to her contract.

"I had no other choice, because I love it," she said. "I love serving my country. I love the military. I love my job."

Moore said the leadership in the brigade is one of the reasons she re-enlisted.

"If I could go with this leadership the rest of my military career I would. I could choose no better people," she said.

Spc. Mitchell Defield said he plans to stay in the Army as long as he can.

"It's something I wanted to do ever since I can remember. The Army is taking me places I never thought I'd get to see," he said.

Defield said he participated in the re-enlistment ceremony because knowing he has friends going with him into the future gives him a sense of reassurance.

"I like (re-enlisting) with fellow Soldiers, because it lets me know I'm not the only one planning to stick around," Defield said."