Work or play

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Smith
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  For many, being stationed overseas can be a blessing or a curse. Numerous factors can determine the enjoyment an individual has during their time away from the states. The 18th Force Support Squadron Information Tickets and Travel aims to make it a blessing for everyone.

The ITT office is generally known for their offers of discount tickets, however, they can provide so much more to Team Kadena – service members and dependents alike.

The island of Okinawa offers many sights to see. From cherry blossoms to the Naha Tug of War festival – there are experiences to be had year round, but there’s even more to be explored off island.

From Mt. Fuji to the Great Wall of China, ITT is here to help.

Whether it’s tickets to a special event, group or private tours, airport transportation and bookings or where to stay, ITT can handle it all, explained Alyssa Krupnick, 18th FSS ITT, director.

By allowing them to take care of the process, a person can enjoy a hassle-free and authentic trip.

“It’s stress free, they don’t have to figure out where they’re going,” she said. “We will take them there, and almost all of our tours have a bilingual tour guide – someone who has knowledge and information with the local community and can share that with them.”

Although anyone can make these plans on their own, by using ITT, an individual is able to truly absorb and experience the local culture, lifestyle and traditions, Krupnick explained.

“You can google it and read it, but to hear it from someone who actually lives here and has all this personal connection to it – it’s very interesting,” she said.

While ITT offers fun trips and services, their main goal is to ensure that Airmen are given the opportunity and resources to be happy in their homes away from home. The distance and culture change can sometimes be overwhelming – ITT wants to alleviate some of the unease that can come with being overseas.

“We really are here to take care of the Airmen as well as their families, but also for them to be resilient and have something they can do for fun,” she said. “It lets them relax and be more resilient.”