Well, I made a decision on the block. I am going to use the Bars and Stars 12" block. Thankfully I have plenty of fabric to be super anal with the stripes. Since I have worked with stripes before, I've learned to be extremely careful with where they are placed and that sometimes it's worth using a bit more fabric to get the look that you want.
Since the block is using four colors, of which one is definitely going to be a solid. I should actually be able to use the same block for both quilts and just change up the fabrics used in each so that each quilt is unique to the receiver. I'm sure my Uncle will use his quilt while my son will leave his home on his bed since having a quilt made from Mom probably won't be the cool thing to have while living in the barracks...LOL I just tell myself sooner or later the kid will retire from the military whether it be after he is done with his 7 years or when he has 20 years in, either way I am sure he will move back home and his quilt will be used.
Also, Thank You for appreciating what our military members have done in the past as well as the present. It really does mean a LOT to them to be appreciated.
Rosie the Wyldwytch