Engagement trip turns uncertain for Mizzou alumni after US military strike in Venezuela

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The recent airstrike in Venezuela has caused travel disruptions across the Caribbean, creating a ripple effect across the United States and impacting people in the Kansas City area.

Leandra Mangual, a Puerto Rican native, and Max Wisner have roots at the University of Missouri.

“I played volleyball at Mizzou for four years, and I graduated from there,” said Mangual. “And he played football there for two years.”

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Max recently proposed to Leandra in her home island of Puerto Rico.

“He actually did it in the beach that I went to in my childhood here,” said Mangual.

The trip turned uncertain when news of the strikes broke. Leandra was shocked when she found out.

“It was super unexpected, but my first thought was definitely how it was going to affect, like, the Caribbean in general,” said Mangual.

The couple remains on the island. They say many travelers are experiencing stress as departure timelines remain uncertain.

“People here are not able to fly out at all,” Mangual said. “There was a couple of people that had gone three times to the airport, canceled, and they don’t really know when they’re going to be able to get out.”

Max and Leandra are using their experience to remind others to support Venezuelan communities during this time.

“Just be a support,” said Mangual. “Whatever Hispanic community, Caribbean community you’re around, just making sure let them know that you’re there for them because whether it impacts them directly or not, I think right now, the entire world is impacted by this.”