My uncle is getting married in July and I am making his groom's cake. I am just stumped on what to do! He's in Iraq right now and won't be back until closer to July, so I can't really ask him what he wants. I'd also kinda like to keep this a surprise. This is his second wedding and he didn't have a groom's cake at his first, so I want this one to be awesome. He loves to make furniture in his spare time and he collects ancient Japanese weapons (mostly swords). He's also being promoted to Lt. Col. (Army) when he gets back, so I'd like to incorporate his new rank in there somewhere too. Anyone have any ideas?

I know this is asking waayyy in advance, but I need to practice and I won't have much time when I start school next semester. TIA!