The death of an Aiea soldier and his eight comrades in Afghanistan may be the catalyst to change. Thursday military leaders addressed the urgent need to direct more troops to Afghanistan in a pentagon briefing.
The parents of 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom are hopeful the death of their son will bring renewed military focus to the area. Retired Army Colonel David Brostrom and his wife Mary Jo sit side-by-side in their Halawa Heights home surrounded by pictures of their 24-year-old son.

"I am so proud of him what he has done for his country and for paying the price of freedom and I'm deeply saddened because I can't see him," said the soldier's mother, Mary Jo Brostrom.

"My son experienced in his short two years in the Army more than I ever experienced in my 30 years," said the retired colonel. "He was my best friend."

Jonathan Brostrom was one of nine soldiers killed by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades during an attack on their outpost. Unconfirmed reports say they were attacked by more than 100 Taliban fighters.

"They're fighting in a situation they just don't have enough troops on the ground and enough resources and it's been like this for a long time. So hopefully, Jonathan's death and the others that gave their lives for their country will change some of things that we are doing in Afghanistan," said Brostrom.

Change may come sooner rather than later.

"Clearly, it would make a significant difference if you had additional forces. There is no question that the absence of pressure on the Pakistani side of the border is creating an opportunity for more people to cross the border and to launch attacks," said Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

"This movement needs to stop," added Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen.

The shift in units from Iraq to Afghanistan could come within weeks.

"It's the right thing to do unfortunately for Jonathan it's too little too late," said Brostrom. "If Jonathan can be the catalyst for changing our strategy in Afghanistan then I'm all for it -- it has to be done. I don't blame anybody my son died a hero, he died trying to save his comrades."

The Brostroms believe its something Jonathan's six-year-old son understands as well.

"Jonathan's son knows this already and he emulated his father," said Brostrom. "He died doing a job that he loved -- so I'm very proud of him and in my mind he will always be a hero."

Funeral arrangments for the Damien High School graduate are pending.