“Shameful” is the only way to describe the unconscionable act of disrespect by United Airlines for one of our nation’s bravest…

United Airlines forced a National Guard officer to pay a $200 fee for an overweight bag after returning home from a 21-month long deployment, according to Fox 7 Austin.

First Lieutenant John Rader had to pay the fee while attempting to board his flight from El Paso Monday night because his bag, containing his Kevlar body armor, two helmets and his boots, was over the airline’s weight limit.

“I was told point blank that I’d have to pay $200 for the overage or find another bag to siphon stuff off with,” Rader told Fox 7. “Well, I didn’t have another bag so I was caught in a bind, do I go home without my stuff or without it.”

United allows active military members to check five bags for free as long as they are all under 70 pounds, a United spokesperson told Fox 7. Rader said the airline wouldn’t budge, and he was forced to pay the fee. –Daily Caller