Monday, January 25, 2010

USO







Since before the US entered WWII, the USO (United Service Organization) has been the bridge between the American public and the U.S. Military. In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brant of comfort, morale, and recreational services to the military.

Today, the USO delivers its programs and services to more than 130 locations around the world. Now I have the opportunity of going to the USO Center right here where I am. Some of the things they offer are: free internet, libraries and reading rooms, games, reading program, movie room, xbox, playstation, wii, and of our my favorite their GREAT popcorn!

It is my home away from home, everyone that works there greets you with a smile and makes you feel welcome. Anyone can volunteer there so I have decided to volunteer there as well.
I wanted to share some pictures of people here just enjoying their relaxing days here are the USO Qatar!

I miss you all!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Indefinite Reenlistment!



What does Indefinite mean?
Well for me it means, I am in the Army now for at least 20 years if not more. Any one who is serving in the military 10 years or more has two options. 1) Get out of the Army 2) Indefinite Reenlistment -- I decided upon option #2.
An reenlistment is a MAJOR event in any Army Soldier. At any reenlistment ceremony, you have to be sworn into the Army again. This is that soldier's WORD that he will...."support and defend against all enemies foreign or domestic" (not exact wording). Upon completion of of the OATH you sign a contract and get a certificate saying you have reenlisted again.
Since this was an Indefinate Reenlistment it is even more special this tells EVERYONE that I promise to be in the Army for 20 years or more. I take great pride in this OATH. I thank the Army every day for what it has brought to my life and take PRIDE each and every day that I am a PROUD AMERICAN SOLDIER!!!
Jefferson....take PRIDE in knowing that I am thinking of you always and hope you are doing well!



Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Relaxing day at a Qatar General's House

Wow what a day for me and several other people who work along side of me. We all had a very enjoyable day at one of the homes of a General here. It was a beautiful home from what we could see. We were outside enjoying his patio, beach, riding jetskis, salt water fishing, eating all the food we ever wanted, smoked hookas, camel rides, and of course my favorite the falcons.
I wanted to share with you a little of what I did. I just relaxed with some of my friends and enjoyed the nice weather here. We couldn't eat all the food that was provided for us. A big delicacy in the Middle East was served to us as well. Are you ready?.... baby camel hump (see picture)! It wasn't bad, but can't say that I would run to the table to have it again. A lot of people wouldn't even try it.


Smoking hookas is what a lot of people did throughout the day. It is a very big thing here but I can't say that I tried it (see pic). Hooka smoking is a Middle Eastern water pipe, commonly used to smoke Shisha, which is a type of flavored tobacco. Filtering it through vase filled with liquid often cools the smoke. I will say the smoke smells A LOT better than cigarettes.


Of course I saved my best for last! the FALCONS!!! The word falconry brings back images of times times long gone, times when people had patience, when they would, over many hours and weeks, calm and train a magestic wild creature. While falconry continues in much of the world, it remains very much a sport. Except in one area - the Middle East. Falconry is alive and will in Qatar! You can even go down to the old shopping part of town and buy/see Falcons every day. Falcons are seen especially during the high hunting season - March. (see pics)

I enjoyed learning about the things and seeing more of the true culture here in Qatar.
I would do it AGAIN!









Sunday, January 10, 2010

Christmas Time




This is pictures from Jefferson!!!
Christmas here was a good time despite being away from family. I wanted to share with all the Installation Christmas tree. It was beautiful!!! We had a tree lighting party and everyone was singing Christmas Songs. It was kinda funny when we are all in uniform or in t-shirts & jeans. It hasn't been that cold here at all unlike what you there in Wichita! It is 66degrees here at 8pm at night. I am cold, but only need a light jacket.

I tried to decorate my room so I felt like it was Christmas too. I even had several Christmas cards and packages that I received here so I put them under my tree. I was even a good girl and didn't open the packages until Christmas Day.

I hope you all had a good Christmas break...and look for my next post on Monday!!!!!

Love and Miss you !!!!!

SFC Carter