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
⭐ 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
⚓ 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.
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.
⚾ American Legion Baseball: 2026 Season Underway
American Legion Baseball is the nation’s oldest and largest teenage baseball program. More than half of current Major League players, and over 55 members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, played American Legion Baseball.
The Department of Texas State Tournament wrapped up in League City on July 25. The season now advances to the Western Regional in Fairfield, California, August 6 to 9, and the 99th American Legion World Series in Shelby, North Carolina, August 13 to 18, ending with Championship Tuesday.
Post 490 is part of the 22nd District, in the 2nd Division of the Department of Texas. The 2nd Division Tournament determines which team advances to the State Tournament in League City. League City Post 554, also of the Department of Texas, was the first Texas team to win the American Legion World Series, in 2023. Join us in supporting our Division and District teams.
Thank You for Riding with Post 490 on the Fourth of July
Thank you to everyone who marched, rode, and cheered with Post 490 in the Friendswood Fourth of July Parade, celebrating America’s 250th. Your patriotism and Post pride made the day a success, and we are grateful to every member, family, and friend who took part.
See more photos from the parade in our Photo Gallery ›
🎖 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.
📚 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 ›
🎯 2027 Membership Drive — 42.36% of Goal
449 members are already renewed, transferred in, or paid up for life toward our goal of 1,060 for the 2027 Legion year. That puts Post 490 ahead of the 22nd District at 36.70% and the Department of Texas at 37.66% — and Post 490 alone accounts for 47% of the entire 22nd District, 449 of the District’s 958 members. Help us get to 100%. Renew or join today ›
Department of Texas membership report, as of July 31, 2026 ›
🔥 Fire Recovery: Building Construction Status
Our Trustees, General Contractor, and subcontractors are working diligently with the City of Houston Permitting Center to move our plans forward.
We know this process is taking longer than hoped, and we understand your impatience. Even so, our team remains focused, persistent, and committed to real progress.
The City requested a safety/compliance revision to our latest submission, which is a normal part of the process. Our General Contractor is coordinating the re-submission and re-review. Each revision must be handled carefully to protect our non-profit investment and move us closer to breaking ground.
With limited resources, the Trustees are carefully using our budget where it matters most, directly advancing the project instead of paying for another costly outside resource.
Thank you for your patience, support, and trust as we continue moving this vision forward together. Your support keeps this work moving and goes directly toward bringing Post 490 home.
🎓 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.
Upcoming Meetings
Current Holidays & Observances
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