Welcome to American Legion Post 490
We proudly serve veterans, families, and our community with honor and dedication. As the largest post in Texas by membership, Post 490 stands committed to supporting veterans' programs, youth initiatives, and patriotic events throughout the year.
Located across from Ellington Field in South Houston, our Post has served the community for generations — honoring those who served, supporting those still in uniform, and giving back to the families and neighbors who make this community great. Learn more about Post 490 ›
From the Commander
On behalf of every member of American Legion South Houston Post 490, welcome. Our Post has served veterans and this community for generations — through good times and hard ones. Today we are rebuilding from a devastating fire, but our mission, our spirit, and our commitment to those who served have never been stronger.
Whether you are a veteran looking for community, a family member wanting to give back, or a neighbor who believes in supporting those who wore the uniform — Post 490 is your home. We are proud to be a 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization, and every dollar donated goes directly toward veterans' programs, community service, and rebuilding our Post.
For God and Country,
Rene Sanchez, Post Commander
American Legion S. Houston Post #490
📰 Latest from Post 490
🍴 Veteran Food Distribution — First Monday of Every Month
Combined Arms and the Texas Veterans Network hold a free veteran food distribution on the first Monday of every month, 12 PM to 2 PM, together with Powell Memorial VFW Post 9296, the Marine Corps League Alberto Angel Avalos Detachment 671, and Second Servings.
1214 Maxey Rd, Houston, TX 77015
Remaining 2026 dates: November 2, December 7
Registration is required. Register at cax.network/food › Need assistance now? Visit combinedarms.us or call 1-844-489-8387.
🎖 37 Continuous Years: Bernard Haefner
Legionnaire Bernard Haefner, Korean War veteran, United States Air Force, just renewed for his 37th continuous year. Thank you for your service and your loyalty to Post 490.
✈ Airshow Viewing Event at the Post — Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1
Come watch the 2026 Wings Over Houston Airshow and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds from the Post parking lot, 11702 Old Galveston Rd, directly across from Ellington Field. Bring the family and support your local veterans.
Parking by donation. The lot opens at 8:00 AM. Sausage on a stick with chips and a drink $5, turkey leg with chips and a drink $15, beer $3, soda and water $1. 50/50 raffle and lotto hat both days, gun raffle and liquor basket, plus a costume contest for ages 16 and under. Restrooms on site. Bring your own lawn chairs, pop-up tents and games for the kids. All proceeds go to the Post Rebuilding Fund. Hosted by American Legion Post 490 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 490. A huge thank you to our sponsors, H-E-B and the Miller Lite Bunch.
Volunteers needed. This is Post 490’s most important fundraiser of the year. The next planning meeting is Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM at the South Ellington Chamber of Commerce, 10500 Scarsdale Blvd, Houston, TX 77089. To help, contact event lead Casey Coyne at (337) 517-7637 or casey.coyne@hotmail.com.
🎖 You’re Invited: 16th Annual Salute to Service and First Responders — RSVP by October 30
For Post 490 members (Legionnaires, Auxiliary, SAL, Riders) and one guest each, hosted with Eliu Rojas, President of the Texas Chapter of the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund (CFSRF.org).
The Dinner: Friday, November 6, 2026. Seating by 6:45 PM, dinner served at 7:05 PM. Elks Lodge 2322, 623 Hansen Road, Kemah. A meal, desserts and soft drinks; cash bar.
Brunch Cruise: Sunday, November 8, 2026. Dinner guests who are available are invited aboard The Fantasea Yacht for a 90-minute morning cruise of Galveston Bay. Meet at 9:45 AM at the Courtyard by Marriott Houston Kemah, 805 Harris Ave, Kemah, TX 77565; transportation to the pier is provided.
Only 20 of our 40 seats remain for each event. Let’s fill every seat and show them that Post 490 shows up.
RSVP by October 30 with your number of members and guests to Commander Rene Sanchez at 832-933-7395 or commander@legion490.com.
🏵 Buddy Poppies — Veterans Day at Bass Pro Shops
Post 490 and VFW Post 5619 will distribute Buddy Poppies together on Veterans Day. Honor the fallen and support the living.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, Gulf Freeway at Exit 21 southbound
Look for our tents outside the store. By donation only.
Volunteers are needed from both organizations. To help, call or text Adjutant Wendell Denney at 713-515-8267.
🏗 Rebuild Permitting: City Corrections Answered
Our General Contractor, EGA, set a schedule in August with a base-case permit date of October 12 and a November 4 contingency date, and the Trustees are monitoring each milestone.
All plans went back to the City of Houston for Round 2 on September 10, more than a week ahead of the September 18 target. On September 23 the City completed its review and returned corrections to EGA. EGA moved quickly: revised plans were submitted on September 30 and again on October 7.
EGA will continue to report progress or constraints, and the Trustees will keep everyone informed. Full construction status ›
🏠 Help for Veterans Facing Homelessness
A Department of Veterans Affairs program provides emergency supplies and transportation for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
If this is you, or a veteran you know, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). The line is staffed around the clock and the call is free.
Post 490 will help any veteran make that call. Reach us through the Contact page.
⭐ 2027 Membership Early Bird Renewal Is Open
As we celebrate America’s 250th, our 2027 Membership Early Bird renewal is now open. Every renewal helps The American Legion provide scholarships, disaster relief, support for military families, and free guidance from accredited service officers.
Renew today: online at MyLegion.org, by mail to P.O. Box 1186, Friendswood, TX 77549, or by phone at (281) 481-1179 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–1 PM).
Scan to renew at MyLegion.org
📚 Post 490 Year in Review — 2025–2026
Our newest Year-in-Review yearbook is now online — a full look back at the 2025–2026 Legion year, including the Officer Installation, Texas Boys State, the Airshow Viewing Event, four Veterans Day events, Wreaths Across America, and the Holiday Giving Campaign. View the yearbook ›
Upcoming Meetings
Current Holidays & Observances
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