82nd Airborne's Panther Brigade's reaches, surpasses 2,000 fans on Facebook page

By 3rd BCT PAO, 82nd Abn. Div., MND -BJuly 17, 2009

BAGHDAD - Spc. Justin Matos, of Miami, logs on to his Facebook account July 17 at the Joint Security Station Loyalty, Iraq internet center in eastern Baghdad. Matos, a communication specialist assigned to the brigade's Headquarters and...
BAGHDAD - Spc. Justin Matos, of Miami, logs on to his Facebook account July 17 at the Joint Security Station Loyalty, Iraq internet center in eastern Baghdad. Matos, a communication specialist assigned to the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters C... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGHDAD - The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad has surpassed 2,000 fans on its Facebook Page.

Facebook, the free social networking website, allows registered users to stay in touch with family and friends by joining online networks and groups that allow people to send messages and update personal profiles.

The Panther brigade launched its Facebook page in late-April in order to allow families and friends of deployed servicemembers to stay connected with their loved ones and see the latest news, pictures, videos and information on the brigade and its efforts in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"I love the 3rd BCT's Facebook page and the fact that it is updated so frequently is great," said Michelle Edwards, via an e-mail message. "Everyone back in the states loves seeing pictures and videos of all Soldiers, not just the ones we know personally."

Edwards, whose husband Spc. William Edwards is currently deployed with the brigade's 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, also said the page allows her to get a glimpse of what her husband and his fellow Paratroopers do on a daily basis which brings them a little closer to their loved ones.

"We are so lucky to be able to have all this information at our fingertips. I know every time I see something about the 2nd Bn., 505th PIR, I post it to my Facebook page so all of our friends and family are able to see it as well, and it keeps the home front morale up. We all miss our Soldiers so much, but this access brings us a little closer to them."

To become a fan of the Panther brigade's Facebook page new or existing members can log onto www.facebook.com/panther.brigade or type in 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division on the search column located on the top right on the user's personal home profile page.

"The Panther's Facebook page has really helped both the Paratroopers here in Iraq and the family members back home to stay connected with one another, and it allows our loved ones to see what life is like for us here," said Sgt. 1st Class James Volpe, of Hopewell, N.J., a platoon sergeant assigned with the Military Police Platoon, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "It is a real fast and reliable way to get information to our families back home."

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