Soldier denied replacement train ticket

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NEW LONDON, Conn., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The family of a U.S. soldier who recently returned to his post said their farewell was ruined by unhelpful Amtrak employees in New London, Conn.

Army Pvt. Mathew Andrews, 20, realized at the train station that he had left his reserved tickets at home and his family said the railroad told them he would have to purchase a new ticket and then file for a refund for his reserved seat, WFSB-TV, Hartford, Conn., reported Tuesday.

"I was extremely angry. It was all in front of them on the computer, paid for with a credit card, and they had all the documentation that they needed to print up another ticket," said Kevin Andrews, the soldier's father.

Amtrak said their policy must be followed -- even for U.S. soldiers in full uniform -- and told the family they would have to apply for a refund for the $69.30 ticket.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., said in response to the incident that railway passengers should be treated the same as airline passengers.

"It's just very distressing when you see a passenger, a customer treated so poorly, and to have it happen to someone who's wearing the uniform of this country," Courtney said.