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
🏆 Evelyn Watkins Wins $1,000 Scholarship at Top Ten Luncheon
Post 490 proudly presented Lutheran South Academy valedictorian Evelyn Watkins at the South Belt Ellington Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Luncheon. Evelyn earned one of just three coveted $1,000 Scholarships. She plans to major in Aerospace Engineering with a pre-med track to become a flight surgeon — a doctor for astronauts! Read the full Commander's newsletter ›
🗳️ Annual Officer Elections — Three in Two Days
All officer positions are open in all three organizations. Annual elections are required every year — every seat is on the ballot. Step up in whichever family you belong to.
⚡ SAL Sq. 490 — Annual Election
Tue, May 12 · 6:00 PM · Doglegs Golf Lounge, Pearland
🏭 ALR Post 490 — Annual Election
Tue, May 12 · 7:00 PM · Doglegs Golf Lounge, Pearland
🗳️ Post 490 — Officer Elections
Wed, May 13 · 7:00 PM · South Belt Ellington Chamber, 10500 Scarsdale Blvd
Want to run? Contact Earl McLearen at 281-989-7896 for SAL & Riders, or Commander Sanchez for Post 490 — or nominate from the floor. View Officer Position Descriptions (PDF)
🎉 100% Membership Goal — ACHIEVED!
1,042 active members — we exceeded our 100% Membership Goal for 2026! A heartfelt THANK YOU to every member for your unwavering commitment. Let's carry this momentum forward to next year! Renew or join today ›
🔥 Fire Recovery — We're Closer Than Ever. We Need You More Than Ever.
After five years of rebuilding from the 2021 fire, Post 490 is standing at the final mile. Our Board of Trustees and General Contractor have completed every step required by the City of Houston Permitting Center — plan reviews, revisions, and submittals are all behind us.
We are now awaiting final permit approval to break ground. When the permit lands, construction begins immediately — and every dollar committed now goes directly into steel, framing, and finish-out work.
This is the moment. Help us carry Post 490 across the finish line — for every veteran, family, and community member who will walk through those doors.
📅 Upcoming Dates
Through Apr 23 — Navy Fleet Week Houston (final days)
Apr 22 — Military Appreciation Night, Dynamo vs San Diego FC, Shell Energy Stadium, 7:30 PM
Apr 25 — ALR Remembrance Run, Post 447 Round Rock
May 1–3 — Texas State ALR Rally, Post 533 Bastrop
May 12 — 🗳️ SAL (6 PM) + Riders (7 PM) Annual Elections · Doglegs, Pearland
May 12 — Post 490 General Membership Mtg, 7 PM, South Belt Chamber
May 13 — 🗳️ Post 490 Officer Elections, South Belt Chamber, 7 PM
May 16–17 — Dept. of Texas 2nd Division Convention, Post 159 Bryan
May 25 — 🇺🇸 Memorial Day
⚓ Navy Fleet Week Houston — Final Days
Closes Thursday, April 23. Houston's first-ever Fleet Week is in its last stretch — free ship tours, military demos, and community events at the Port of Houston and Downtown. If you haven't made it out yet, this is your last chance. It may be years before Fleet Week returns to Houston!
🎓 Scholarship Opportunities
Multiple American Legion scholarships are available including the Post 490 Scholarship ($500) and the Samsung American Legion Scholarship for Texas Boys State participants. Visit our Programs page for details and application info. A full list of available scholarships will be published in the next Commander's newsletter.
🏭 Boys State 2026
Texas Boys State runs June 7–12. All staff must arrive by June 6 for mandatory orientation. See Programs for details and application info.
Upcoming Meetings
Current Holidays & Observances
Get the Post 490 Weekly Blast
The Weekly Blast lands in your inbox every week — upcoming meetings, member news, event photos, benefit spotlights, and more. Free to subscribe, easy to read, and the best way to stay in the loop between meetings.
Know someone who should be on the list? Share the link — the more members who stay connected, the stronger Post 490 becomes.