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
🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, We Pause to Remember
Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day — a day set apart not for celebration, but for remembrance.
We remember the men and women who never came home — the ones who answered the call, gave everything they had, and asked nothing in return except that we never forget.
To our active-duty service members, wherever you stand watch today — we hold you in our thoughts and prayers, for your safety, your mission, and your safe return home.
To our veterans — you answered when your country called. You served in war and in peace, in places known and unknown. Your service shapes everything we do at Post 490, and we are humbled to stand alongside you.
To the families — the spouses, parents, children, and siblings who served too, in ways the rest of us will never fully see — your sacrifice is real, and it matters. We see you. We thank you.
This Memorial Day weekend, take a moment. Fly the flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raise it briskly to full-staff. Visit a grave. Read a name aloud. Say a prayer. Tell a story so the next generation knows.
Two minutes of silence does more than we know.
— The Officers and Members of
American Legion South Houston Post 490
🍼 In Memoriam — Lt. Col. Forrest “Jack” Agee, Jr.
Lt. Colonel Forrest “Jack” Agee, Jr. of Houston, Texas, was called home to the Lord on May 13, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in El Paso, Texas, on August 11, 1941, Jack often said, “I am a Texan both by birth and by inclination.”
Jack served his country with honor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and after active duty continued that commitment through the Army Reserves. He went on to serve for 39 years in the Federal Civilian Service and retired from the Air Force Senior Executive Service in 2006.
Lt. Colonel Agee was a devoted member of South Houston American Legion Post 490 for many years, and his support of veterans’ programs was truly invaluable. His legacy is one of faith, service, patriotism, and compassion, and he will be remembered with heartfelt gratitude for all he did for his country and for his fellow veterans.
🏆 Annual Elections Complete — Thank You & Congratulations
Congratulations to Commander Rene Sanchez on his reelection to lead American Legion South Houston Post 490 for another term. The role of Post Commander is a demanding one — long hours, hard decisions, and steady advocacy for our veterans, their families, and our community. The Post is grateful for his continued service and leadership.
The Post extends our sincere gratitude to David Witucki (1st Vice Commander) and Jesse Martinez (Adjutant) for their dedicated service this past year. Your time, leadership, and commitment to Post 490 made a real difference, and we thank you for everything you gave to the Post and our veterans.
The Post welcomes Amber Coyne into her new role as Finance Officer and congratulates Wendell Denney on stepping into the Adjutant role. Thank you to every officer continuing in service — your steady leadership and commitment keep Post 490 strong for our veterans, our families, and our community.
🏁 SAL Squadron 490 Annual Elections Complete — Thank You & Congratulations
Congratulations to Arnold Rodriguez on his election as Squadron Commander of Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 490. The role of Squadron Commander is a meaningful one — advocating for veterans, supporting youth programs, and carrying forward the SAL mission of service. The Squadron is grateful for his willingness to step into this role and lead.
The Squadron extends our sincere gratitude to David M. Boriack for his service as Squadron Commander this past term, and welcomes him into his new role as 1st Vice Commander. Thank you for your continued leadership, David — your dedication to Squadron 490 and the broader Legion family is appreciated by every member.
The Squadron thanks every officer continuing in service — George Garza Jr., Earl McLearen, Steve Juarez, Phillip T. Contella, Wendell F. Denney, and Michael Frank — for keeping Squadron 490 strong for veterans, families, and our community.
🌸 Auxiliary Unit 490 — Thank You to Our Officers
The Post extends heartfelt gratitude to every member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 490 who has carried our shared mission this past term, and a warm welcome to those stepping forward to lead the Auxiliary in the year ahead. The Auxiliary’s service — supporting veterans, families, and our community — touches every program Post 490 runs.
Special recognition to Diana Aguilar as Auxiliary President, and to the full slate of Auxiliary officers and chairpersons. Your time, leadership, and steady commitment carry the Auxiliary’s century-long mission forward and keep our Post 490 family strong.
📚 Post 490 Year in Review — 2024–2025
Our Year-in-Review yearbook is now online — 66 pages of Post 490’s people, programs, and milestones from the past Legion year, including Boys State, Veterans Day events, 50-Year Continuous Membership awards, and the Holiday Giving Campaign. View the yearbook ›
🎉 100% Membership Goal — ACHIEVED!
1,056 active members — Post 490 exceeded our 100% Membership Goal for 2026. And we led the 22nd District to 100% as well: Post 490 is 41.6% of the entire District — 1,056 of the District’s 2,541 members. A heartfelt THANK YOU to every member for your unwavering commitment. Let’s carry this momentum into 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
May 25 — 🇺🇸 Memorial Day
June 10 (7 PM) — General Membership Meeting — 22nd District Commander installs our newly-elected officers. South Belt Ellington Chamber, 10500 Scarsdale Blvd, Houston TX.
🤝 Step Up — Post 490 Needs You
Post 490 has open leadership and committee positions, and we are actively seeking members who are ready to serve:
- 1st Vice Commander
- Committee Chair — Americanism
- Committee Chair — Children & Youth
- Committee Chair — National Security
- Committee Chair — Public Relations
If you’re interested in any of these roles, please contact a Post Officer or reach out to the Commander directly. Your service strengthens Post 490 and the veterans we support.