The Corral Family is very well known in Danville. On Monday, hundreds of people lined the streets to welcome home his parents for what undoubtedly was the toughest trip of their lives.
As Joshua's parents returned from claiming their son's body in Delaware, hundreds of close friends, neighbors, and strangers came to pay their respects, lining the street in front of the family home.
Corral was killed during combat operations last Friday in Southern Afghanistan. Like all his buddies, Corral's best friend, Brock Marcott, called him "Chachi."
"He was such a big part of my life that no one could replace him. He was always there for me. He always tried to protect me when I didn't need protecting. He was like the rock of everyone's friendship. There was no one in the world who didn't like Chachi," said Marcott.
"I think his giving his life says it all. He was very devoted to his family, to his friends, and his country," said April Arvin, a family friend.
"We know with all of you here how much Josh reached out and touched all of you. We can't say enough about the support that we've gotten, so we just want to say thank you very much," said Arnie Corral, Joshua' father.
Corral had only been in Afghanistan for about two-and-a-half months. He was among 10 friends who enlisted in the military soon after graduating from San Ramon Valley High School in 2010.
Tuesday evening there will be a candlelight vigil for Corral at 6 p.m. at Oakhill Park on Stone Valley Road.
