wife, Thanks first for your husbands patriotism and service to our country! As far as the Egg goes... I would get the large BGE and if I had the extra money I would add a small. IF I could just have one it would be the large hands down. I have both theLarge and Small BGE. My Bachelor brother and my retired parents have a medium. My Sister and her husband have a large. Everyone in my family loves their eggs. The medium cooks great too but my Mom and Dad said they wish they had bought the large sometimes when the family gets together. My bachelor brother medium BGE suits his cooking needs incredibly well. HOpe this helps. ~Pharmeggist