Apparently this is a Chicago thing. Some years ago I was at a gala affair in Chicago, in my Army Mess Jacket chatting with Lieutenant General Rick Brown, who was similarly decked out. One of Chicago’s prima donna’s, gown, jewels, diamonds etc. walks by, hands her empty drink to General Brown and orders another. He marched off to the bar to complete the task. While he was away I explained to the dear lady that she had just sent an Army Lieutenant General on an errand. She was embarrassed, but grateful for the fresh drink.
Their familiarity with uniformed men seems uniquely limited to hotel and wait staff...