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. The September 1 RSVP date has passed. If you would still like to go, contact Commander Rene Sanchez to ask whether any seats remain, 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.
🎓 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.
💜 Vanessa Guillén Day — Breaking the Silence, September 30
A day of remembrance, education and action covering military sexual trauma, intimate partner violence and domestic violence. Open to veterans, service members and families.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 10:00 to 11:30 AM
6840 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77030
Hosted by the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods Office of Veterans and Military Affairs with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Texas Veterans Commission and Dress for Success Houston.
🏢 Federal Career and Recruitment Fair — Seven Agencies, One Roof, October 8
The Texas Veterans Commission brings seven federal agencies together for one hiring event: the FBI, ATF, U.S. Secret Service, DEA, Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
BakerRipley Pasadena Campus, 720 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77504
Open to veterans, military spouses and the general public. Bring copies of your resume. Questions to carmen.harris@tvc.texas.gov or sakiri.smith@tvc.texas.gov.
👜 Designer Purse BLINGO — Supporting the South Belt-Ellington Chamber, October 8
The Chamber hosts an evening of designer handbags, jewelry, a raffle and bubbles. The Commander asks us to show our support for everything the Chamber does for Post 490.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Doors open at 5:00 PM and games start at 6:30 PM.
Hope Village Event Center, 15403 Hope Village Road, Friendswood, TX 77546
For tickets and details, contact the South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce ›
🏗 Rebuild Permitting: Round 2 Is In, Ahead of Target
Our General Contractor, EGA, met with the Post Trustees on August 19 and again on September 3. The August meeting produced a working schedule through to permit issuance, with a Coordinated Resubmittal target of September 18, 2026.
That target was met eight days early. On September 10, EGA confirmed that all submittals to the City of Houston have been resubmitted for Round 2 of the permitting process, and that the plan review re-submission for the 5,091 square foot new meeting hall building with sitework has been received by the City of Houston Permitting Center.
The City will now route the plans to every applicable review group. Plans are reviewed in the order they are received, so there is no published decision date. Received is not the same as approved, and the Post will report the outcome here when the City returns it.
This is a positive development. It remains dependent on execution and on the City of Houston’s review. Full construction status ›
🏠 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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