( CNN ) -- Life in the military `` damn sure is n't how Hollywood portrays it , '' says retired Master Sgt . Mike Butler , who served in the Army for 21 years . So what is it like ? This Veterans Day , CNN would like to honor veterans by giving them a space to share their stories and tell us what it 's really like to serve their country . We invited them to share their answers to one simple question : What one thing do you wish civilians knew about military service ? Their responses run the gamut , from `` I would do it all over again '' to `` I came home to a country who did n't really want me back . '' They reflect 45 years of service , from Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq . And they come from a variety of servicemen and servicewomen in four branches of the military , from career soldiers to those who served a couple of years before moving on . Click through the gallery above to see what these veterans want you to know about serving , or view their full submissions on CNN iReport . And if you 're a veteran yourself , thank you for your service . We invite you to submit your own story for the gallery on CNN iReport .
Military personnel have the one thing they want you to know . Their experiences range from Iraq to Afghanistan , good to bad . Are you a vet ? Add your contribution on the iReport .