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
⚓ Texian Navy Day — 20 Seats Reserved for Post 490
The Cannoneers of the First Sabine River Fleet have reserved 20 seats for Post 490 — Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, Riders, and their families — to join them for Texian Navy Day. The seats were held for us by SSG Eliu Rojas (Ret), President of the Texas Chapter.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 — Pier 21, Galveston. The day carries a boat parade, presentations, an Admirals commissioning, educational displays, vendors, live music and a barbecue dinner.
Seats are limited and go in the order they are claimed. RSVP by September 1 to Commander Rene Sanchez, by reply email or by call or text to 832-933-7395. Boarding times will be announced once confirmed.
Not sure what the day looks like? Our 2025–2026 Yearbook carries an article on last year’s Texian Navy Day, with photos of Post 490 families aboard.
🍴 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: September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7
Registration is required. Register at cax.network/food › Need assistance now? Visit combinedarms.us or call 1-844-489-8387.
⛵ Salute to Heroes Boat Parade — Register by August 26
Registration closes Wednesday, August 26. Sailing Angels hosts its 2026 Salute to Heroes Boat Parade honoring military veterans, active duty, and first responders. Bring your family.
Saturday, September 12, 2026 — arrive 10:30 AM
Kemah area. Free event, with a complimentary lunch and time for fellowship.
Register at SailingAngels.org, call 346-306-9424, or email info@SailingAngels.org.
🏆 Salute To Patriots — Veteran Resource and Job Fair, September 17
The Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Veterans Leadership Program are holding a veteran community resource and job fair at American Legion Post 554 in League City. Come dressed to impress and bring copies of your resume.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10 AM to 2 PM
American Legion Post 554, 1650 Highway 3 South, League City, TX 77573
For more information contact stevea.smith@tvc.texas.gov or ariel.santos@tvc.texas.gov.
🍽 Evening of Cuisine — Supporting the South Belt-Ellington Chamber
The Chamber celebrates 25 Years of Tastes and Traditions with local restaurants, caterers, bakeries and beverage providers. The Commander asks us to show our support for everything the Chamber does for Post 490.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:30 to 8:00 PM
University of Houston – Clear Lake
Tickets are $40 each, $10 for children 4 to 12, and free for children under 4. Day-of tickets are $45. Tickets and details ›
🎓 Texas Legion College — September 18 to 20
The Commander encourages any officer or Legionnaire interested in a leadership role to attend. Texas Legion College covers how the Department of Texas works, leadership skills, and the knowledge needed to run a Post well.
Friday to Sunday, September 18 to 20, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
American Legion Post 472 Harrisburg, 7599 Avenue C, Houston, TX 77012
Breakfast and lunch are provided.
This is a three-day course, and you must have completed American Legion Basic Training to enrol.
🎖 Gold Brigade Award — David Witucki, 10 Years Running
Congratulations to longtime Post 490 member David Witucki, honored with The American Legion’s Gold Brigade Award for the 10th consecutive year at the Department of Texas Annual Convention on July 11, 2026. In recognition of a decade of excellence, David received a special 10th-year Golden Brigade blazer. The Elite Gold Brigade honors members who recruit 50 or more new Legionnaires in a single year — David brought in more than 100. He was also named National Recruiter of the Year in 2018 with 578 recruits. Thank you, David, for your extraordinary dedication to growing the American Legion family.
⭐ Thank You, Joseph St. Julien
Special recognition to Joseph St. Julien, who chose the three-year renewal option. Multi-year renewals give the Post steady footing to plan ahead, and they take one more thing off your calendar. Thank you for the commitment. Renewal options ›
📞 Expect a Call — Buddy Checks Are Starting
Our membership team is beginning buddy checks and renewal calls. A buddy check is simply a fellow Legionnaire calling to see how you are doing and whether you need anything. If your phone rings, it is one of ours. We will never ask you for a gift card, a wire transfer, or your bank details. Questions? Contact the Post ›
💜 Two Post 490 Purple Heart Recipients Honored
American Legion Post 521 held a ceremony honoring our nation’s Purple Heart recipients, and two members of Post 490 were recognized: Manuel Escobedo and Terry Contella.
Created in 1782 by George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still awarded.
Our thanks to Post 521 for the recognition, and to Manuel and Terry for their service.
⭐ Welcome Our Newest Members
Thirteen veterans have joined or transferred into Post 490. We are glad to have you with us, and we hope to see you at a meeting soon.
- Gaye Gill — US Navy, Vietnam
- Edward Payne — US Air Force, Vietnam
- Ron Worley — US Marine Corps, Vietnam
- Walt Shoelman — US Army
- Brian Aronson — US Navy, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Lisa Cravin — US Army, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Garrett Rau — US Army, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Dakota Brown-Bravo — US Army, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Tasha Shaffer — US Army, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Zacharia Devillier — US Navy, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Moises Hernandez — US Navy, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Ian McKell — US Navy, Gulf War on Terrorism
- Israel Santibanez — US Navy, Gulf War on Terrorism
Thank you for your service, and welcome to South Houston Post 490. See our meeting schedule ›
🏠 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, by phone at (281) 481-1179 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–1 PM), or call or text Commander Rene Sanchez at 832-933-7395.
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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