I completely agree about the red/white/blue. However, these colors can be put together without appearing to bold with the use of shades and values of the colors. I have read that some soldiers don't want these colors because they remind them of more difficult times. I recently worked with a group who had been given panels that while in the usual colors were very muted into beige, dusty blue and red. We added beige and red with some black to it.
As to mothers quilts. You have certainly set yourself a goal to make a large quilt in the time. Hope nothing interferes with your progress. I would suggest as others have said the Disappearing Nine Patch.
For soldiers - use rail fence. Very easy and quilt. Easy to piece one in a day (without interruptions, of course).