Another Hawaii family has buried an island son -- another soldier killed in battle. Hundreds said aloha to 1st Lt. Jonathan Brostrom Thursday.

The Damien High School graduate was killed in Afghanistan on July 13th, along with eight other soldiers in his platoon. Brostrom was the son of a retired colonel and according to those who served with him, he was an accomplished and respected leader, just like his father.

"My brother was probably the strongest person I have ever met in my entire life," said younger brother Blake Brostrom.

Strong, a word used by many to describe First Lieutenant Jonathan Brostrom, second platoon leader of the Chosen Company.

"He made a decision and his decision was to defend and support his buddies that were about to be over-run. In this process he was killed. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that others may live," said Blake.

First Lieutenant Brandon Kennedy was Brostrom's roommate. Kennedy shared a lighter side of the Hawaii-raised soldier.

"He never hesitated to tell me that he was the alpha male -- and that anything I could do he could do better. He even told me once that if it came down it he would beat his idol Arnold Schwarzenegger in a lifting competition," said 1st Lt. Brandon Kennedy.

Brostrom was masterful at calming people in tough situations.

"He knew the healing power of laughter -- and so many times after, John caused me to smile when I never thought I could," said 1st Lt. Carter Johnson.

But friends say his true love was his family, especially his six-year-old son Jase, who listens intently while sitting on grandpa's lap.

"I see his smile and free-loving spirit in Jase who I've had the chance to play with over the past few days and he just reminds of so much of playing with John," said Kennedy.

Bikers lead Brostrom's procession to Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. It's the family's final chance to say good-bye. Jace clings to his grandfathers hands as his dad goes by. Friends are also there, including Allen Hoe, the father of another fallen soldier, First Lieutenant Nainoa Hoe. Young Jase walks in cadence.

"He was always talking about his home, his family and his son," said Kennedy.

Colonel Brostrom and his youngest son fight back tears.

"John wouldn't want us to sit here and mourn-- he'd want us to stand tall and rejoice in his death," said Blake Brostrom.

Mother Mary Jo is handed an American flag, while Colonel Brostrom accepts the purple heart and bronze star on his son's behalf.

"John if you can hear me -- I love you and I'll miss you always," said Blake.

1st Lt. Jonathan Brostrom would have turned 25 on August 22.