Russel L. Honoré facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Russel Honoré
Nickname(s)	"The Ragin' Cajun"
Born	(1947-09-15) September 15, 1947 (age 77) Lakeland, Louisiana, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1971–2008
Rank	Lieutenant general
Commands held	First Army 2nd Infantry Division
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (5)
Website	www.generalhonore.com

Russel Luke Honoré (born September 15, 1947) is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army. He was the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. First Army in Fort Gillem, Georgia. General Honoré is well-known for leading the military's efforts to help areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. This happened across the Gulf Coast in 2005. He also commanded the 2nd Infantry Division while stationed in South Korea. He retired from the Army on January 11, 2008. People sometimes call Honoré "The Ragin' Cajun" because of his direct style and Louisiana roots.

Early Life and Education

Russel Honoré grew up in Lakeland, a town in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. He was the 9th of 12 children in a Louisiana Créole family. His family had lived in Pointe Coupée Parish for a long time. The Honoré family name is still common among the Cane River Créoles.

In 1971, Honoré earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in vocational agriculture. He got this degree from Southern University and A&M College. He also has a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in human resources from Troy University. Southern University and A&M College also gave him an honorary degree. He has also received special training in leadership development.

Military Career Highlights

Before becoming the Commander of the First United States Army in 2004, Honoré held many important roles. He served in both South Korea and Germany. He was the Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. He also worked at The Joint Staff in Washington, D.C.. There, he was the Vice Director for Operations.

He also served as the Deputy Commanding General at the United States Army Infantry Center and School. This was at Fort Benning, Georgia. Before that, he was the Assistant Division Commander for the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

In 2002, while Honoré was a major general in South Korea, an accident happened. Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division were on a training mission. Their vehicle was involved in an accident that resulted in the deaths of two 14-year-old girls. General Honoré visited the girls' parents. He promised that the U.S. military would build a memorial near the accident site.

In 2021, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asked Honoré to lead a review. This review looked into security issues after the U.S. Capitol attack.

Leading Relief Efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

On August 31, 2005, General Honoré was put in charge of Joint Task Force Katrina. His job was to organize military help for areas hit by Hurricane Katrina. This included places along the Gulf Coast. He arrived in New Orleans after many people felt that local and federal agencies had not done enough.

General Honoré became well-known for how he helped improve the situation in New Orleans. He had a very direct way of managing things. This was different from what many felt were empty promises from other officials. In one video, Honoré was seen giving clear orders to his team. He even spoke directly to local police officers. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin praised him. He said Honoré was like a "John Wayne dude" who got things done. Honoré had experience with floods from his time in South Korea. He had helped set up flood control measures there.

Later, on September 20, 2005, Honoré held a press conference about Hurricane Rita. He told a reporter not to get "stuck on stupid." This was in response to a question about the government's actions after Hurricane Katrina. This comment made headlines across the country.

Comments on Hurricane Maria

After Hurricane Maria caused a lot of damage in Puerto Rico in 2017, General Honoré spoke out. He said the situation there was "like a war." He believed it was much worse than New Orleans after Katrina. Honoré criticized the Trump administration's response. He felt it needed a faster and bigger effort. He also thought more U.S. troops should have been sent to help.

Reviewing U.S. Capitol Attack Security

Following the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked General Honoré to lead an investigation. He looked into what happened during the attack. He suggested that new fencing might be needed. He also talked about problems with the security.

Politics

In 2009, there were rumors that Honoré might run for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana. He was rumored to run as a Republican against Senator David Vitter. However, Honoré said he admired people who wanted to serve in public office. But he also stated that he had no plans to run for the Senate seat himself.

Personal Life

Russel Honoré describes himself as an "African-American Creole." This means he has a mix of French, African, Native American, and Spanish family history. He was raised in the Catholic faith.

In 2005, Honoré received the Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award." This award was given to him during the halftime of the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. It recognized his leadership in helping New Orleans recover after Hurricane Katrina. He also received the Key to the City Award for New Orleans. This was to honor his excellent military service during the third anniversary of Katrina.

General Honoré lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with his wife, Beverly. They have four children. He started an environmental group called GreenARMY. He has spoken out about companies like ExxonMobil and Georgia-Pacific using too much groundwater in Baton Rouge.

Awards and Decorations

•   Expert Infantryman Badge
•   Basic Parachutist Badge
•   Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

See also

• List of Louisiana Creoles
• List of Southern University alumni
• List of Troy University alumni