Disney and Starbucks BEST of both worlds!

I was so excited to go to Disney and visit Starbucks while there too!  I made sure I had the best thing for Mickey to sign!

Friendship

Everyone has someone they call a friend. I can say for me as much as the Army makes me move it is always hard to find a friend sometimes. I can say the Army has blessed me with some wonderful friends that I wouldn't have known. I wanted to share some of those friendship with you now!

Friendship can come in ways you never expected. I consider my MOM one of my greatest friends I have. If she isn't happy then neither am I. I want to think all the people there in Wichita that make her happy every day. My Brother and Sister, Church family, Jefferson Elementary family, and of course the one I hear so much about DULCIE from Jefferson Elementary. Dulcie, you make my Mom so happy every day! I appreciate you asking about me and just by doing that you are being a wonderful friend to my MOM! This means you are my friend as well!!!

Dulcie - Remember that no matter what, you can do anything you put your mind to! You are a wonderful person, who needs to realize that no matter what your friends are behind you! If you ever want to write me get with my Mom and she will get you my address. I will keep in touch with you. You can get through anything that you want with friends to help you out. When you think there is noone, remember my MOM and I are there for you! I am sure your teacher would be there for you as well.

Everyone needs a friend! If you are a good friend to someone you make them smile all day long! Remember to be a good friend to everyone around you and your day will be better for it as well! JEFFERSON FALCONS - "YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN ME!!!"

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!

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!

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!

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

Likes vs. Differences

So do you see anything different about the stuff I have pictured above? What I have pictured is what I see in Qatar every day compared to the United States. The firs picture is they light switches here. You can find some like this in the United States but the odd thing with these are...to burn them on you push the button down and to turn the light on you push the button up. This is exact opposite in most cases than in the United States. This really bugs me sometimes! LOL

The 2nd picture is the plug ins. They are really really large here. None of our stuff with American plugs can plug into these odd shaped plugs. We have to buy a converter that we can plug our stuff into. We have to be careful with what we do plug into these as it is a different whole voltage of electricity here. I can say I made the mistake of plugging my hairdrying into the plug with an adaptor and it smoked, smelled terrible, and won't work anymore. I guess I won't do that again. I have found it is easier for me to just by the things that are made to plug into these huge plugins.

The last pictures is of a Diet Coke Can. Do you see how we have to open our cans here? The whole tab comes off. WOW!! It still is weird to me. I don't think I will get used to that at all. I will get you some pictures of the can in the future. You would see English on one side and Arabic on the other.

Speaking on Arabic here is something that is different about it....other than it looks like a bunch of writting a 1-2 year old would do in the states. They write right to left! Yes you hear me ... you see everything is backwards here!

Then on a final note!!! The difference I LOVE the best here! We have a movie theater on Post here and before every movie they play the National Anthem. YES WE DO!! I LOVE IT!! Everyone in the whole theater stands up, takes off their hats, places their hands on their heart and doesn't say a word. After it is through we all tend to scream..."GOD BLESS THE USA!" I can say I am proud everytime I hear the National Anthem and have to kinda laugh because I don't see this EVER happening in a Theater in the United States. I don't think people would do the right thing when it is played. Much less I see too many people not respect our flag as it is! If you don't remember this is one of my Pet Peeves! The FLAG is flown to REMEMBER! Don't ever forget it! I know I won't!!

I want you all to know I miss each and everyone of you and still am in amazement with all that everyone at home has done for me. Jefferson look for a package from me after the holidays! You have made me proud with all our support, friendship, and letters!

- SFC Doris A. Carter

Blessings from Jefferson!

Hi Jefferson Falcons!!! Boy you guys made my DAY!!! I received a package full of letters and pictures from several of you there! I haven't been that excited since I got here! It meant a lot to me to get things from you!

I will be passing out some of the letters to other people here. If you don't mind I am asking them to send you a letter from them? I will get some pictures of them opening/reading your letters for you as well. I want you to know how much your letters mean to us all!

I wanted to enclose a picture of some of us that attended a ball. We got dressed up and had a fun evening. Please let me know if you have any questions or specific pictures you guys want!

MISS YOU ALL!!!! GO FALCONS!!!

DEDICATION

wreath for DEDICATION

When I think of DEDICATION this week I tend to think of all our Veterans past, present, and future! I am amazed as I realize that I have served almost 14 years in the US Army. It seems like only yesterday that I was scared to death of what the Drill Sergeant would yell at me today. I look around at all my friends & co-workers here and just see the AMAZING dedication each day. Here we paid tribute the Veterans past, present, and future and wanted all to know that we remain DEDICATED in our mission here.

DEDICATION can be seen in each one of us each day! It helps me to remain dedicated when I know I have my friends, family, and of course Jefferson Elementary behind me the whole entire time! I can't lie and say some days are worse than others but then I look at what I am here for and know I joined the military for this exact reason.

Just remember all people need DEDICATION to achieve things big or small!

respect for our Veterans

Halloween

This past week was busy but good. I went to a Halloween Party here and had a good time. A lot of people even dressed up and got into the spirit. I guess we are a captive crowd! We always have different things going after our work almost every night. This can include tournaments of: spades, poker, bowling, pool, darts, & bingo to name a few. We also have the USO here and they are always providing us with some sort of entertainment or activity to help us pass the time here.

I think the hardest thing for me trying to get everything done that I have to and still have time for the fun. This month is a busy one but I am sure I can make it happen.

I wanted to enclose a few of my favorite costumes from the Halloween Party here! I hope you enjoy and hope you had a GREAT Halloween too!!!

Miss everyone and always remember the fighting Men & Women that are away from home! Especially during the holidays!!!

Swimming, Jet Skiing, & Tubing in Persian Gulf

Last week was so busy so I decided to enjoy my Saturday and go out with some other people on a Water Sports Trip. The Army offers ways to Relax and have fun. One of those ways is this trip. I had a blast getting to know the guys and girls on this trip. We all needed this break.

I have finally started to get into the swing of things here but still miss home and I know that several others here miss home as well! We are realize we are in the same situation so we make the best out of it here. On post we have several things to do. Here are a few: any sport you guys play there we can find here too! Also we can go to eat at alot of the same places you do as well.
I haven't been off post a lot yet but when I do I will start taking pics there as well. I did make a trip off post yesterday and had to laugh as I had to cross what we in Kansas/Oklahoma would call a Cattle Guard. It is for the camels here!!! LOL
Well I had better get off and remember I miss you guys! GO JEFFERSON FALCONS!!!

My new living quarters and office

I wanted to put some pictures of what my room and office looks like for everyone to see. I have been busy trying to get things together here. I am slowly getting things where I want them to be.

Today it is a cool 93degrees at 2:30pm our time (KS time 6:30am). I hope you are all doing well! I am missing home but trying to bring some of home with me. I did this by bringing pictures and things from home. I would love pictures, emails, or mail at anytime from anyone. I received my very first letter from one of my friends back in the states today! I was EXCITED!!!! There are days for me just to know that someone is thinking about me is what I need and to be able to see something from them helps too.

Hi from across the world.

Just wanted to give a little update on what is going on with me. I have started work but it is keeping me busy busy busy. My hardest thing right now is trying to sleep at the right time. I am not doing very well at it. I sure miss Kansas and Jefferson!!! I wish I was still there with you all! Keep me in your thoughts and remember you can write me a letter anytime.
I have been trying to get pictures of my room and work. I will get them posted tomorrow so all can see. Remember check back tomorrow for some pictures!! I think I am going to post stuff twice a week for you guys! Once on Monday and again on Wed your time! How does that sound?!?
How about this for a hard thing for me to buy here...I can't by hairspray. . . WOW!!! And this week the average high has been 98degrees. A little hot here!
MISS YOU!!!!

Trip to Qatar

Me at my seat in plane & my TV Screen

Looking towards front of plane & the middle section of plane

Hi everyone! I hope you guys are enjoying the weather. I know I am here. The last three days it has been 95/75. I have been busy but doing well. My flight was a good one. It was almost 13 hours but I slept very well on the ride over. On the plan I had my town TV to watch whatever I wanted. I got to choose from over 55 movies, 75 games, tv shows, and just look at where the plane was on the map. It was a huge plane and everyone had lots of room. The pictures I have posted are of my plane ride.

When I arrived here it was pitch black and waited my ride to get to where I was going. I had two females pick me up and they took me to a few places around Doha before we even headed to base for the night. The next day I was tired but tried to get up and start doing things around here. I soon realized it was HOT HOT HOT!!!! The sun comes up at around 5am and goes down at 430pm. I am getting things in my room set up and soon will have pictures of that as well as anything you can think of. It is different here but at least I have people here that are doing the same thing I am. That always makes it easier.

Until next time you guys take care!! I MISS you guys!!

Time with Family

I have been home in Wichita for a few weeks and ENJOY it a lot!!! I have enjoyed time with family and friends! I am so excited since my Granny Doris flew in to spend time with us for 10 days! We have been busy trying to help Mom out while she is here. Granny and I have painted Mom's room, cleaned house, yard work, or whatever Mom needs. All this and time for my neice's!!! Always a good time to spend with Kora, Micah, & Anika!!! Even went to Kora's & Micah's Birthday Party!

Home in Wichita

I am officially in Wichita, KS for my leave (vacation) before I head over to Qatar. I traveled across country from Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), FL. With the help of my friend Melanie LeVault it made the trip go by with ease. I am now trying to spend time with all my friend and family that I can before I have to leave. I was so excited to see my new little neice Anika! She was a cutie!!! I am looking forward to spending time with Jefferson Elementary and getting to know some of the students again this year. I always enjoy at Jefferson! Go FALCONS!!!

Disney Trip

I am in class right now at Patrick AFB near Orlando, FL. I have been here for almost 6 weeks now. I have until 4Sep to go! I am ready to leave, but have enjoyed the friends I have made here. I don't like school at all, but school is always a good thing! You always learn something that can be used the rest of your life! The friends I have made here keep me a little sane with our trips we make on Saturdays to get away from it all for just a little bit. I have gone 3 days now and have 2 more until my free passes for Disney are up! YEA!!!

Class A Uniform

This is me in my Class A Uniform that is used for more of a formal event rather than my everyday uniform.