As President-Elect Trump’s inauguration approaches, families are excited for their future — and re-living the historic and improbable rise of the real estate mogul who will become the 45th president of the United States.

It all began on June 16, 2015, in New York City. A podium sat on a stage as television lights blazed. Press cameras flashed as a successful and well-known businessman was introduced by his successful daughter to Americans as a candidate for the country’s highest office.

“I will bring [America] back bigger and better and stronger than ever before,” said the businessman, looking into the cameras.

[lz_ndn video=31838607]

Throughout the course of the next 16 months, Donald J. Trump made campaign promises about very specific items — not lofty ideals like “hope” or “change.” Most of us know the highlights, but these are the issues that traditional American families care about — and for which they are eager to see progress.

1.) Appointing a constitutionalist to the Supreme Court. This is the primary reason that I, as a husband, father, and citizen, would have voted for anyone other than Hillary Clinton — or any Democrat. That party’s “sacred cows” are protecting Roe v. Wade and limiting, restricting, or removing guns. As a Second Amendment supporter, I staunchly oppose any liberal or leftist appointing any Supreme Court justice. This applies to district court also. We need to regain our rights, currently diluted by leftists.

2.) Building a wall and ending illegal immigration. This is the cornerstone of actually being a sovereign nation and constitutional republic. Without respecting the laws and boundaries of our country, anyone coming in illegally is, by definition, a criminal. Validating this crime by establishing “sanctuary cities” and issuing government IDs and driver’s licenses only makes things worse. Those governmental actions give implicit approval to what they’ve done. Families are not safe while borders are insecure.

This veteran should not have to wait six months to get a simple wheelchair. Yet here he sits in January 2017 — still waiting for one.

3.) Revoking Obama’s executive actions. Every administration is like successive generations of Americans themselves, it seems — the more they get, they more they want. If each president were to succumb to this practice, we would truly have tyranny. Our Founding Fathers established government “of the people, by the people and for the people,” and established the way we make laws. A “pen and a phone” aren’t listed in the instructions (see the U.S. Constitution).

4.) Repairing our broken Veterans Administration. This one should be a no-brainer and should gain support from both sides of the aisle. My friend Michael Trost of Maryville, Tennessee, was shot by a Taliban insurgent in the Afghan National Police (he died multiple times on the operating table), and has just had his leg amputated due to intense pain. He should not have to wait six months to get a simple wheelchair. Yet here he sits in January 2017 — still waiting for one.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: Veterans Who Need Care Have Important Rights

5.) Repealing Obamacare. Premium rates are skyrocketing. Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses are continuously rising. Doctors are retiring early. Insurance companies are withdrawing from the plan — and middle-class families are bearing the brunt of the cost. This monstrous legislation was rammed down our throats along strict party-line votes, sold by lies and misleading statements. Government only does two things well: military defense and tax collection. Health care needs to go back to the private sector, with open competition and new ideas. Medicare and Medicaid should be expanded to those who cannot afford it.

6.) Restoring integrity to the FBI and the Department of Justice. These institutions have been corrupted with the political ideology of the Left. Laws are ignored. Criminals are protected while law enforcement is persecuted. Patriots are attacked and investigated, while hoodlums and rioters are ignored. Intelligence has been lost, improperly shared, and stolen — yet people aren’t prosecuted. These things dishearten true believers in justice that work in these agencies. We must value and promote honor, integrity, and responsibility.

“Succeed in making America great again.”

Over the last eight years, we’ve seen a lot of change that needs to be reversed if families are to thrive. Our standing in the world has plummeted. Manufacturing and jobs have gone away. The military has been diminished. America’s racial relations are fractious. Common Core has dealt a major blow to our children’s educational advancement. Lawlessness in the streets has exploded. Respect for law enforcement has been eroded.

Related: Celebrities Who Aim to Disrupt the Inauguration

[lz_third_party align=center includes=”https://twitter.com/MDW_USARMY/status/819572552167202816″]

7.) As a citizen, I’m addressing President-Elect Trump directly, hoping he hears the one last thing I feel America truly needs him to do: “President-Elect Trump, congratulations on soon becoming the 45th president of these United States. You bring a new age of hope to many of us who have struggled during the last decade. I could present you with a list of hopes for you and our country, but I will make just one request. Please succeed. Succeed in fulfilling the promises you made to us. Succeed in doing what is necessary and right. Succeed in making America great again.”

John Cylc is an eight-year U.S. Army veteran and lives with his family in eastern Tennessee. His primary advocacy is promoting and protecting Second Amendment rights.