Community Breakfast
Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and coffee. Bring the family; served until we run out. Donations support the post.
American Legion Post 653The Last Outpost
A veteran-led post on Highway 118 in Terlingua, serving veterans, families, youth, and the whole Big Bend community. Members, neighbors, and travelers are all welcome.
About the post
Community matters out here
American Legion Post 653 serves Terlingua, Study Butte, and the surrounding Big Bend country. Known as The Last Outpost, the post is committed to supporting veterans, military families, youth, patriotism, service, and fellowship.
In a place this remote, a reliable gathering spot counts for a lot. Post 653 is where veterans, members, families, and supporters gather, serve, volunteer, and stay connected to something larger than themselves.
The post is part of The American Legion, founded in 1919 and one of the nation's leading veterans service organizations, and is backed by the wider Legion Family, including Sons of The American Legion Squadron 653.
Headed to Big Bend?
The post sits right on Highway 118 between Alpine and Study Butte. Stop in, say hello, and see what a Legion post looks like at the edge of the map.
What Post 653 does
- Supports veterans and military families
- Patriotic and remembrance ceremonies
- Community gatherings and local service
- Youth and Americanism programs
- Sons of The American Legion Squadron 653
- Volunteer opportunities
- Community breakfasts and events
- A welcoming place for members and visitors
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Standing up for the people who served and helping them get the benefits and care they earned.
National Security
Supporting a strong defense and the families of those who serve today.
Americanism
Flag ceremonies, remembrance, citizenship, and the values that hold a community together.
Children & Youth
Programs that give the next generation in Big Bend a reason to look up.
Events & meetings
What's on at the post
Members meet monthly. Breakfasts, music nights, and special events are scheduled through the year and posted here and on the post's Facebook page.
Monthly Membership Meeting
First Monday of every month at 6:00 PM at the post, 51470 State Hwy 118. Open to all members, and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 653 members are welcome. Prospective members are welcome to come meet us.
Next meeting: Monday, December 7
Breakfasts
Community breakfasts as scheduled. Dates are posted here, on Facebook, and announced at the monthly meeting.
Live music
Local players take the porch and the stage on event nights. Bring a chair and a friend.
Ceremonies
Patriotic and remembrance observances through the year.
Pool & cards
The table is open whenever the post is.
Coming up
Pearl Harbor Remembrance
Short flag ceremony and moment of silence. Public welcome.
Music on the Porch
Local players on the porch. Bring a chair and a friend.
Nothing else is on the calendar yet. Check back soon, or follow the post on Facebook.
Calendar
Gallery
Life at The Last Outpost
Post leadership
2026–2027 Officers
Elected officers who keep the post running, carry out the Legion's mission locally, and make sure Post 653 stays active, welcoming, and focused on service.
Commander
Justin Andrews
Vice Commander
James Waters
Adjutant
Tina Malley
Finance Officer
Donnie Daniels
Judge Advocate
James Waters
Chaplain
David Farman
Sergeant-at-Arms
Bob Davidson
Service Officer
Adam Daley & Angela Waters
Historian
Richard Stewart
Membership & support
Join, give, or wear the brand
Eligible veterans, military families, and community members who want to serve, connect, and strengthen the Big Bend community are all welcome here.
Become a member
Interested in The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 653, or helping rebuild the Auxiliary? Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.
- The American Legion, Post 653
- Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 653
- American Legion Auxiliary (rebuilding)
- Volunteers and community supporters
Donate
Your gift funds post operations, events, service projects, and local outreach for veterans, families, and youth across the Terlingua / Big Bend area.
Give through PayPalLast Outpost store
Post 653 and Last Outpost merchandise. Every order helps support the post.
Visit the web storeContact & visit
Come find us on 118
Questions from veterans, families, prospective members, volunteers, and visitors are all welcome, whether you want to join, attend an event, donate, or just learn more.
- Address
- 51470 State Highway 118
Alpine, TX 79830
(Terlingua Ranch area, between Alpine and Study Butte) - Phone
- (432) 371-2275
- commander@terlingualegion653.org
- Meetings
- Monthly Membership Meeting, first Monday of every month at 6:00 PM
- Last Outpost 653