Originally Posted by
Diplomatico
Edit: If the military member already had approved and signed leave papers by his chain of command, I'd suggest that he elevate the issue upward through his chain of command, explaining that he purchased non-refundable tickets based upon his approved leave papers and that changing them will cost him personally.
But it sounds like from the OP, that this was at his request. Not that it has an impact on the question at hand, but to tell the CoC that "The change that you made at my request so I could be home longer is costing me money!" would seem fruitless at best. A complaint to go to the oxymoronic "Military Intelligence" branch.
On the other hand, from the OP, it is 100% clear if the change it dates was something he requested or the other way. Waiting tables....is this at home, or is this in the mess hall? Extending leave until after break? Is this so he can spend time with the kids on vacation, or is this a worse situation, after break is over and no time with the school kids?