What started as an annual winter getaway for Lenny’s Tavern, owned and operated by NDA’s Treena Leonhard and husband, turned into a national news story. 

Thanks to a cartel’s violent response to the Mexican government’s killing of its leader, the Green Bay group found themselves stranded in Puerto Vallarta.

Although ready to return home, the group was never able to board the bus. The driver, who had arrived to pick them up, was unable to leave the resort due to the outbreak of violence. 

“He was a young man who was very worried about his family. We felt very sad for him,” said the NDA attendance secretary. 

Although the group’s departure was delayed, they felt very safe in the resort during the shelter-in-place advisory. 

“We were never in danger in the resort, and the staff was amazing at keeping everyone calm,” explained Leonhard.

Indeed, many of the travelers were more worried about the staff than themselves. 

“Because many of the roads were closed, many of the employees were unable to leave work and see their families,” said Leonhard,

That meant that employees couldn’t stop working because the next shift of employees had no way to enter. 

“Puerto Vallarta is their home, and it was under attack. They couldn’t get to their kids and families, but they handled it with grace,” she said. 

From the resort, the group could see a hospital where emergency vehicles were active throughout the day. 

“We saw some ambulances, police and military vehicles, but we didn’t see any burning cars, just smokey air, “ recalled Leonhard.

Due to the road closure and a code red alert being activated, the group’s plane left without them, and travellers flying into Puerto Vallarta had to fly back. 

After two extra days at the resort, the group finally received confirmation that the flight would come for them. 

“On Monday night we were informed that our plane was coming on Tuesday, but we didn’t know what time until 8:15 Tuesday morning,” said Leonhard. 

Their transfer bus came at around 9 a.m. and their flight was at noon. 

Despite the uncertainty during the difficult time, Leanord said communication with her family at home helped her remain calm. 

“Our daughter-in-law and son-in-law helped with our dog, and our son continued to run our business,” she explained. 

Back home, coworkers at NDA stepped up to help. 

“Mrs. Karabush, with the help of the main office crew, took on extra work while I was away, and I greatly appreciated it,” she said.

Throughout the delay, Leonhard’s travel agent worked to keep the group registered with the United States Consulate in case the situation worsened. 

They were also registered with the state of Wisconsin, and the staff from the office of Tony Weid checked in several times with them. Local television stations also carried stories of the ordeal.

Despite the unexpected events, Leonhard said the experience will not stop her from returning to Mexico. 

She and her family have travelled there multiple times, visiting Cancun, Mazatlán and Riviera Maya. 

“This was just the cartel flexing their muscles to make a point, and the point was made,” she said.