Thanks to all for your service. We genuinely appreciate it... Yea, I have an ax to grind with the US for many reasons, but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate what all our servicemen and women sacrificed for ME. I've always been aware and always been appreciative <--- lesson taught me by my immigrant parents as they lived through some pretty ugly shit.
About re-enlistment - I'd often asked my Old Grump why he kept going back even when his time was done. I believe he did 3/4 tours in Vietnam. It was so many years ago and he only talks about it when I bring it up. His answer astounded me. He said, "I knew how to kill people. Not equipped to do much else."
Needto, Is there any way you could do your work under the radar? Tough choice for sure. Don't know what to tell you....
And to answer your question, I've been beaten senseless and beyond recognition a few times, but no, I've never been comatosed.