Phil_R, I know what you mean.
Many years ago, in Piccadilly station (Manchester) I saw a serviceman smartly turned out in a pale green best uniform. I had not seen the like before and asked him what the uniform was.
It is the only time when I have even seen an American soldier in a dress uniform.
OTOH, not some many years ago, I was accosted in Lincoln High Street. Naturally I ignored the shout. No chance, she ran after me and caught my arm and pressed a £5 note in my hand.
A day or so previously she had been crossing the street to put some money in the RAFA collection tin when the collector packed up and was gone. She asked me to pass the money on to RAF, which I did.
OK, it was Lincoln in RAF Lincolnshire, but at least someone recognised and trusted a serviceman.