Sons of the American Legion — Squadron 490
The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) is the only organization within The American Legion family open to male descendants of veterans — sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, and adopted sons. Squadron 490 proudly serves alongside Post 490, carrying on the mission of honoring veterans, promoting Americanism, and investing in our community's youth.
Our motto is the same as the Post's: "For God and Country." Whether it's volunteering at events, supporting the Child Welfare Foundation, or simply showing up for fellow veterans, Squadron 490 members are there.
Sons of The American Legion
From the Commander
Working together we can help our military families. Squadron 490 is proud to stand beside Post 490 and the entire American Legion family. Every member who joins, volunteers, and shows up makes a difference for veterans and the families who love them.
For God and Country,
David M. Boriack, Squadron Commander
Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 490
A Brief History
The Sons of The American Legion was established on September 15, 1932 at the 14th National Convention of The American Legion in Portland, Oregon. Founded as a non-political, non-sectarian civilian organization, the SAL was created so that male descendants of veterans could carry on the Legion's mission of service across generations.
Since its founding, the SAL has grown to include hundreds of thousands of members in squadrons across all 50 states and several overseas departments. The organization has raised over $9 million for the Child Welfare Foundation alone — its hallmark program supporting children and families in need.
Our Mission
"To support veterans and their families and the policies of The American Legion — promoting patriotism, Americanism, and programs which benefit the youth of our country."
The SAL focuses on three core pillars: support for veterans and their families, promoting patriotism and Americanism, and programs that benefit youth. Squadron 490 lives out all three right here in South Houston.
SAL Programs
The Sons of The American Legion participates in a wide range of programs at the national, state, and squadron level. Here are some of the key initiatives SAL members support:
💕 Child Welfare Foundation
The hallmark SAL program. Members have raised over $9 million for the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, which provides grants supporting at-risk children of Legionnaires and active-duty military families nationwide.
Learn More →⚾ American Legion Baseball
SAL members actively support American Legion Baseball — one of the nation's premier amateur baseball programs — which has developed thousands of Major League players and taught youth the values of teamwork and fair play.
Learn More →🏭 Boys State Support
Squadron members assist in sponsoring and supporting Texas Boys State — the intensive government and citizenship program that shapes future leaders. SAL volunteers help staff and organize the annual event.
Boys State Info →🌟 Americanism
Teaching "The Ten Ideals" — patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence, and comradeship — to the next generation through community engagement and civic education.
🏆 Oratorical Contest
SAL members support The American Legion's National High School Oratorical Contest — encouraging students to study the U.S. Constitution and develop their public speaking skills with scholarship awards at every level.
Learn More →📚 Scholarships
SAL members are eligible for and help promote scholarship programs at the post, district, and national level — including the Samsung American Legion Scholarship for Boys State participants and the Legacy Scholarship for children of fallen service members.
View Scholarships →Who Can Join?
Membership in the Sons of The American Legion is open to all male descendants — sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, adopted sons, and stepsons — of members of The American Legion, or of veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces during any recognized period of war.
There is no age limit — from young boys to grown men, all are welcome. Annual dues are typically between $15 and $30 per squadron. Squadron 490 currently offers a New Member Special for first-time members.
Meetings & Contact
📅 Quarterly Meetings
Squadron 490 meets quarterly on the 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 PM.
Meeting months: March · June · September · December
Location:
Cheers Pub
502 N Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
(281) 996-9996
📞 Get in Touch
For membership information, meeting details, or general questions, contact the Post office:
Squadron 490 Officers
The following officers currently lead Sons of The American Legion Squadron 490. This list will be updated as elections are held.
Squadron Officers 2024–2025
| Commander | David M. Boriack |
| 1st Vice Commander | Philip T. Contella |
| 2nd Vice Commander | George Garza Jr. |
| Adjutant | Earl McLearen |
| Finance Officer | Earl McLearen |
| Chaplain | Steve Juarez |
| Sergeant at Arms | Phillip T. Contella |
| Historian | Wendell F. Denney |
| Parliamentarian | OPEN |
ⓘ Officer roster is updated following annual elections. To report a correction or update, contact the Office Manager.
Helpful Links
🌐 National SAL
Official Sons of The American Legion program page — news, programs, and membership resources.
legion.org/sal⭐ Texas SAL
Department of Texas Sons of The American Legion — state events, detachment info, and contacts.
saltexas.org📚 SAL 490 Website
The current dedicated SAL Squadron 490 website — visit while it is still available.
sal490.org