As tensions rise between the U.S. and Iraq, state Rep. Errol "Romo" Romero wants to give more choice to young military troops and make it easier for their loved ones to keep in touch.

Romero, D-New Iberia, is planning to introduce two bills in the upcoming legislative session dedicated to troops here and oversees, he told a gathering at the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Tuesday.

One bill will grant all Louisiana military personnel with full adult rights, he said. That means allowing soldiers under 21 to purchase alcohol or gamble.

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Romero said that if young men and women are willing to risk their lives for their country oversees at a young age, they should be able to make adult decisions here at home.

"I feel strongly about that," Romero said.

Some chamber members expressed concern that lowering the drinking age for anyone could mean a loss of federal funding for the state's roads. The federal government does not provide certain kinds of transportation funding to state's that do not comply to federally mandated drinking ages.

"I don't care what the feds say," Romero said.

The other bill will be a request to Congress to waive postage fees for care packages and mail to troops serving oversees. Romero said the country should make it as easy as possible for friends and family to keep in touch with troops stationed far away in anticipation of war.

"These young people need it more than ever today," he said.

Romero said he remembers from his days in the armed forces how much just a box of cookies or a letter could affect even the most hardened soldiers.

"When they didn't have any mail there were tears in their eyes," he said.

Romero also urged others to adopt a soldier to send care packages to as war draws near.

"That's like giving a million dollars to them," Romero said.