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
🍴 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.
✈ Save the Date — Airshow Viewing Event, October 31 and November 1
Post 490 will host its annual Airshow Viewing Event again this year. We sit directly across from Ellington Field, which is what makes the event possible.
The airshow is Wings Over Houston, back at Ellington Airport for its 42nd year with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
Our viewing event runs the Saturday and Sunday: October 31 and November 1, 2026. Gates at the airshow open 8:00 AM and aerial performances begin around 10:00 to 10:30 AM.
The Post’s own date, place and details are still to come. The Commander will announce them and they will be posted here as soon as we have them. Mark the weekend now.
🏵 Buddy Poppies — Veterans Day at Bass Pro Shops
Post 490 and VFW Post 5619 will distribute Buddy Poppies together on Veterans Day. Honor the fallen and support the living.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, Gulf Freeway at Exit 21 southbound
Look for our tents outside the store. By donation only.
Volunteers are needed from both organizations. To help, call or text Adjutant Wendell Denney at 713-515-8267.
💜 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
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.