[airhead]

I want to thank your family for serving. I am not sure how Southwest operates but I am pretty sure other airlines book different tickets in classes. The military fare is not going to be the cheapest since people of government types may book tickets at the last minute and the airline is kind enough not to charge them the full price. In other words, the military fare can be for military persons on orders and the booking is usually done by a commanding officer. This ticket may be more expensive than a regular economy class but it usually allows for changes with minimal fees. That fare is also not the most expensive much like the full fare which also allows changes with minimal fees.
I hope this helps.