THis is such a sad story. When I think about what our service women and men do for us, I can't imagine not doing anything that would make their life a little easier. For that young man, $25 was probably a lot of money. Good for you for helping. Please discuss this with the station manager. If the agent really does not know how to make helpful suggestions to young, inexperienced travellers, especially service people, then some education is needed. If the agent was having attitude problems or trying to make some kind of point
then he/she should be ashamed.