Hi. Welcome to FT.

I'm not sure that NWA is unpatriotic - have a feeling that you may have gotten a customer service person who didn't realize that there should be exceptions to some rules.

I think it might be worth it to call again. And ask to speak to a supervisor if it's not resolved to your satisfaction. Here are a list of other numbers that might help you http://www.nwa.com/travel/nwati/

I'd also try to lodge a complaint on their website https://www.nwa.com/talk/ttu.html

Finally, if neither of those work, then I'd send a letter to the company expressing your concerns.