American Legion Riders Chapter 490
The American Legion Riders are members of The American Legion family who share a love of motorcycles and an unwavering commitment to veteran service. Formed to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion, Riders chapters unite motorcyclists across the country in charitable work, patriotic escorts, and community fundraising.
Chapter 490 proudly rides in the South Houston area — honoring those who served, supporting families in need, and giving back to causes that matter. From St. Jude runs to funeral escort missions, our Riders put miles on for a reason.
A Brief History
In 1993, Chuck "Tramp" Dare and Bill "Polka" Kaledas — commander of American Legion Post 396 in Garden City, Michigan — shared a simple idea: create a space where Legion family members could come together around a shared love of motorcycles and a commitment to service. Twenty founding members passed a resolution at their post meeting, and the American Legion Riders was born.
Word spread fast. Requests for information poured in from posts across the country. On October 17–18, 2007, the American Legion Riders became an official national program of The American Legion — cementing what began as a local idea into a movement with chapters in all 50 states.
Today, Riders chapters have raised millions of dollars for children's hospitals, veterans homes, wounded warriors, and scholarship funds — all while keeping the rubber side down.
Our Mission
"The American Legion Riders is formed to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion as a family-oriented motorcycling activity for members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion."
Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work — raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans homes, and severely wounded servicemembers. Chapter 490 carries on that tradition right here in South Houston.
What Riders Do
From fundraising rides to honor escorts, American Legion Riders make a visible, meaningful impact in their communities. Here are some of the key programs and activities Chapter 490 participates in:
🏃 The Legacy Run
Since 2006, Riders across the nation have participated in the annual Legacy Run — raising funds for the Veterans & Children Foundation, which supports scholarships for children of military personnel killed since 9/11 and grants for at-risk children of Legionnaires.
Learn More →🆘 Honor & Escort Rides
Riders escort military units returning home from combat, conduct funeral honor rides for fallen veterans, and participate in POW/MIA memorial rides — a powerful and visible tribute to those who served.
❤ Charitable Fundraising
Chapter 490 has earned recognition from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for outstanding fundraising support. Riders chapters nationwide have raised millions for local hospitals, schools, and veteran care programs.
🏆 Legacy Fund
Contributions to the American Legion Legacy Fund provide financial assistance to children of military personnel killed in action since September 11, 2001, and support women veterans in crisis throughout the Houston area.
🏄 Community Rides
Chapter 490 participates in patriotic parades, community events, and post fundraisers throughout the South Houston area — keeping the Riders visible and engaged year-round.
🏭 Texas ALR Events
Texas chapters coordinate state-level rides, rallies, and regional events through the Texas American Legion Riders organization — including the Texas State ALR Rally and POW/MIA Rides.
Texas ALR Events →Who Can Join?
To become a member of American Legion Riders Chapter 490, you must:
Be a member in good standing of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion — and be a legally registered motorcycle owner (or the registered owner's spouse), properly licensed and insured per Texas law.
If you're not yet a Legion family member, join the Post first — then come ride with us.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
The American Legion Riders of Post 490 have been honored with the 2026 Certificate of Appreciation from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in recognition of their outstanding support and fundraising contributions.
This recognition reflects the dedication of our Riders in giving back to those who need it most — the children and families served by St. Jude. We are proud of every member who rode, donated, and volunteered to make this possible.
🦸 Legacy Fund
Riders Chapter 490 contributes to the American Legion Legacy Fund — providing financial assistance to children of military personnel killed in action since September 11, 2001. Riders also support programs for women in crisis situations throughout the Houston area.
🏄 Patriotic Rides
Our Riders participate in patriotic escort missions, funeral honor rides, and community events. Honoring veterans on the road is one of the most visible ways the Riders show their commitment to service.
👥 Meetings
Riders meetings are currently held at Doglegs Golf Lounge, 1823 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581. Contact the Post for the current meeting schedule.
🚗 Join the Riders
To join the Riders, you must be a member in good standing of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion, and own or operate a motorcycle. Contact the Post for information on joining Chapter 490.
Riders Chapter 490 Officers
The following officers currently lead Riders Chapter 490. This list will be updated as elections are held.
Chapter Officers
| Chairman | Phillip T. Contella |
| Vice Chairman | Phillip T. Contella |
| Secretary | Vie Denney |
| Treasurer | Wendell F. Denney |
| Chaplain | Susie Tristan |
| Sergeant at Arms | VACANT |
| Historian | Sheri Contella |
| Road Captain | Earl McLearen |
ⓘ Officer roster is updated following annual elections. To report a correction or update, contact the Office Manager.
Texas American Legion Riders
Chapter 490 is part of the Texas American Legion Riders (Texas ALR) — the statewide organization that coordinates rides, rallies, and events across all Texas chapters. The Texas ALR reports through the Department of Texas and connects local chapters to state-level leadership, advocacy, and events.
Texas chapters participate in the annual Texas State ALR Rally, POW/MIA memorial rides, regional rides, and fundraising events throughout the year. Check the Texas ALR website for upcoming events you can join.
Helpful Links
🌐 National ALR
Official American Legion Riders program page — history, news, and how to get involved nationwide.
legion.org/riders⭐ Texas ALR
Department of Texas American Legion Riders — state events, chapters, and resources for Texas members.
texasalr.org🏃 Legacy Run
The annual national fundraising ride supporting the Veterans & Children Foundation and children of fallen service members.
legion.org/legacyrun