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. General Honoré is widely known for leading the military's efforts after Hurricane Katrina. This powerful storm hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. He also commanded the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. He retired from the Army on January 11, 2008. People sometimes call him "The Ragin' Cajun" because he is from Louisiana.

Early Life and Education

Russel Honoré grew up in Lakeland, a town in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. He was the ninth of twelve children in his family. His family was Louisiana Creole, a group with French, African, and Spanish roots.

He earned a bachelor's degree in vocational agriculture in 1971. This was from Southern University and A&M College. Later, he received a master's degree in human resources from Troy University. He also has an honorary doctorate from Southern University. General Honoré also took leadership training to help him become a better leader.

Military Career Highlights

Before becoming the Commander of the First United States Army in 2004, General Honoré held many important jobs. He worked in places like South Korea and Germany.

Key Commands and Roles

• He was the Commanding General of the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea.
• He served as Vice Director for Operations for The Joint Staff in Washington, D.C..
• He was also the Deputy Commanding General at the United States Army Infantry Center.
• He helped lead the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

Incident in South Korea

In June 2002, while Honoré was a major general, a sad event happened in South Korea. Two 14-year-old girls were accidentally killed by a U.S. Army vehicle. General Honoré visited the girls' parents. He promised that the U.S. military would build a memorial for them.

Leading After the U.S. Capitol Attack

In January 2021, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asked General Honoré to review security. This review was about the security issues during the 2021 United States Capitol attack. He looked at how security worked and how different groups cooperated. He also suggested improvements, like installing fencing.

Responding to Major Hurricanes

General Honoré became famous for his leadership during natural disasters.

Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita Relief

On August 31, 2005, General Honoré was put in charge of Joint Task Force Katrina. His job was to lead the military's efforts to help areas hit by Hurricane Katrina. This included parts of the Gulf Coast. Many people felt that the initial response from other agencies was not fast enough.

When General Honoré arrived in New Orleans, things started to change quickly. He was known for his direct and firm style. He was seen giving clear orders and getting people to act. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin praised him, saying he was like a "John Wayne dude" who got things done. General Honoré had experience with floods from his time in South Korea. This helped him manage the disaster response.

Later, during a press conference about Hurricane Rita, he famously told a reporter not to get "stuck on stupid." This was in response to a question about the government's actions after Hurricane Katrina.

Comments on Hurricane Maria

After Hurricane Maria caused huge damage in Puerto Rico in 2017, General Honoré spoke out. He said the situation was like a "war" and much worse than New Orleans after Katrina. He believed the government needed to send more troops and help faster.

Personal Life and Interests

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

In December 2005, he received the Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award." This award recognized his strong leadership during the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. He also received the Key to the City Award in New Orleans. This honored his military service during the third anniversary of Katrina.

General Honoré lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his wife, Beverly. They have four children. He also started an environmental group called GreenARMY. He has spoken out about companies 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