American Legion

Cocio ~ Estrada Post 59

750 N. Grande Ave.

Tucson, Arizona 85745

(520)  622-9513

Post History

     Discharged veterans of World War II formed Cocio-Estrada, American Legion Post 59. They got together in 1946 and held their first few meetings at the Blue Moon dance hall located on Miracle Mile. After several meetings they applied for an American Legion charter from the department of Arizona. The charter was approved in 1947 and named Cocio-Estrada, American Legion Post 59. The Post rented a building at 621 N. Grande Avenue and Post officers were elected. We remained at the same building until 1992 when we moved in our present location at 750 N. Grande Ave, Tucson, AZ.

    Post 59 is named after Tucsonans Marine Corporal William (Willie) Cocio and Army Private Bernardino (Ben) Estrada, both killed in action in the South Pacific in WWII.

     Marine Corporal Willie Cocio was born in Tucson and was a well-known local boxer and state welterweight champion in 1940. Willie enlisted in the Marines Corp and sent to the South Pacific. He was in the invasion of Tarawa. He was also in the invasion of Sapiens where he was wounded in action and died from wounds. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was buried at sea on June 13, 1944.

     Army Pvt. Ben Estrada was raised on a ranch in Vail, AZ prior to moving to Tucson. He was an avid cowboy and was in the movie "Arizona" filmed in Tucson and starring William Holden. Ben was killed in the ‘Battle of Burma’ in New Guinea on December 16, 1942. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously, the military's 2nd highest service award.   

Cocio-Estrada Post 59 has 346 members consisting of 11% WWII veterans, 22% Korean veterans, 51% Vietnam veterans and 16% Lebanon/Grenada, Panama and Gulf war veterans.  

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Where we are.

Marine Cpl. William Cocio and Army Pvt. Bernardino Estrada, for whom the post is named.

POST 59 OFFICERS

Commander - Steve Aguirre

Sr. Vice Commander - George Lopez

Jr. Vice Commander - Robert Garcia

Finance Officer - Al Almazon

Chaplain - Adalberto Agular

Historian - Frank French

Sgt. At Arms - John Garcia

Adjutant - Al Almazon