OP: whether it is freedom your husband is fighting for, well, that in itself is a debatable subject. I wouldn't play that card. Invoking patriotism, or emergencies does not and should not always, in my opinion, bend the rules. The bottom line is, whenever booking a flight well in advance you should be aware that unforeseen circumstances may preclude it. You accept that risk by accepting the terms and conditions. I'm glad NW worked with you on this and that you were eventually able to work it out (yey, NW!^ ), but I don't think that your that your particular situation entitled you to this. I believe that your initial disappointment with NW was unfounded.

In the end, it's good news and that's what matters.