“A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The ‘United States of America’, for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’”
(Seems to me a blank check has no amount on it, but that’s besides the point.)
I’ve seen this quote in a number of places, always attributed to “Author unknown.” Anyone know when and wear it started?
I don’t know, but as an active duty Army and National Guard veteran, it’s the first time I’ve heard it. (luckily, I’m out now, so I’m done. 
)
I don’t know who wrote it, but I can’t say I’d agree with it.
Much as I did for the Navy, including some hazardous duty, there were things I didn’t want to do, and I avoided doing them.
Shoot at me, fine, but don’t give me duty on the mess decks. And thankfully, I escaped after five years not having done either.
TWDuke:
That IS the point - a blank, signed check can have the amount written in by the person who cashes it. Of course, it can only be cashed up to the amount in the signer’s bank account - but in the metaphorical case in the OP’s quote, it can include the person’s life.
This link claims it was Gene Castagnetti, the director of the Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
As a vet, I’ve never heard it. I do hear people say “my tax dollars pay your salary!” which always makes me laugh.
Thanks, Mahaloth! I don’t know why my googling didn’t turn that up.
But this metaphorical check seems to specify an amount. It’s just a quibble, I know what it’s supposed to mean.