Russel L. Honoré: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively ← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisual WikitextInline

Revision as of 05:31, 28 March 2022 editRoccerbot (talk \| contribs)10,827 editsm Adding numerical ID to {{C-SPAN}}← Previous edit		Latest revision as of 20:03, 6 November 2024 edit undoNatg 19 (talk \| contribs)Extended confirmed users176,385 editsm Disambiguating links to Presidencies of Donald Trump (link changed to First presidency of Donald Trump) using DisamAssist.
(20 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 19:		Line 19:
	}}		}}

	'''Russel L. Honoré''' ({{IPAc-en\|ˈ\|ɒ\|n\|ər\|eɪ}} {{respell\|ON\|ər-ay}}; born September 15, 1947)<ref name="NPR">{{cite news \|last1=~~MARTIN~~ \|first1=~~MICHEL~~ \|title=Wisdom Watch: Lt. Gen. Russel Honore \|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14018130 \|access-date=18 February 2021 \|agency=] \|date=29 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="Survial">{{cite book \|last1=Honoré \|first1=Russel \|title=Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters \|date=May 5, 2009 \|isbn=9781439101810 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=~~6SpGctZkTGsC~~&q=~~Russel+Honor~~%~~C3%A9~~+~~1947~~+~~born~~&pg=~~PT35~~ \|~~access-date~~=~~February~~ ~~18,~~ ~~2021}}</ref>~~ is a ~~retired~~ ~~] who served as the 33rd commanding general of the ] at ], ].~~ He is best known for serving as commander of ] responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for ]–affected areas across the ] and as the 2nd Infantry Division's commander while stationed in ]. He served until his retirement from the Army on January 11, 2008.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_re_us/katrina_general;_ylt=AllmgEBBmn2nkq6qYjNguItH2ocA \|title=Katrina General Retiring from the Army \|author=Bluestein, Greg \|publisher=] \|agency=] \|date=January 8, 2008 \|access-date=January 1, 2008 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111030813/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_re_us/katrina_general \|archive-date=January 11, 2008 \|url-status=dead \|df=mdy-all }}</ref> Honoré is sometimes known as "The Ragin' Cajun".<ref>"]" is also the trademarked nickname of the athletic teams of the ].</ref>		'''Russel Luke Honoré''' ({{IPAc-en\|ˈ\|ɒ\|n\|ər\|eɪ}} {{respell\|ON\|ər-ay}}; born September 15, 1947) is a retired ] who served as the 33rd commanding general of the ] at ], ].<ref name="NPR">{{cite news \|last1=Martin \|first1=Michel \|title=Wisdom Watch: Lt. Gen. Russel Honore \|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14018130 \|access-date=18 February 2021 \|agency=] \|date=29 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="Survial">{{cite book \|last1=Honoré \|first1=Russel \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6SpGctZkTGsC&q=Russel+Honor%C3%A9+1947+born&pg=PT35 \|title=Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters \|date=May 5, 2009 \|publisher=Simon and Schuster \|isbn=9781439101810 \|access-date=February 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book \|last=Andrews \|first=Dianne \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DO5ucNpsCz8C&dq=%22russel+luke+honore%22&pg=PA191 \|title=Gumbo for the Heart \|date=2010-08-17 \|publisher=Author House \|isbn=978-1-4520-3204-7 \|language=en}}</ref> He is best known for serving as commander of ] responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for ]–affected areas across the ] and as the 2nd Infantry Division's commander while stationed in ]. He served until his retirement from the Army on January 11, 2008.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_re_us/katrina_general;_ylt=AllmgEBBmn2nkq6qYjNguItH2ocA \|title=Katrina General Retiring from the Army \|author=Bluestein, Greg \|publisher=] \|agency=] \|date=January 8, 2008 \|access-date=January 1, 2008 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111030813/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_re_us/katrina_general \|archive-date=January 11, 2008 \|url-status=dead \|df=mdy-all }}</ref> Honoré is sometimes known as "The Ragin' Cajun".<ref>"]" is also the trademarked nickname of the athletic teams of the ].</ref>

	==Early life and education==		==Early life and education==
	A native of ] in ], and 9th of 12 children, born to a ] family who settled in Pointe Coupée Parish.<ref>{{citation\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1JyVVSRhsKwC&q=Russel+L.+Honor%C3%A9+creole+french&pg=PA26 \|title=Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters \|author1=Honoré, Russel L. \|author2=Martz, Ron \|page=26 \|year=2009 \|isbn=9781416599005 \|access-date=10 June 2015}}</ref> The Honoré family surname is still found among the ].		A native of ] in ], and 9th of 12 children, born to a ] family who settled in Pointe Coupée Parish.<ref>{{citation\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1JyVVSRhsKwC&q=Russel+L.+Honor%C3%A9+creole+french&pg=PA26 \|title=Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters \|author1=Honoré, Russel L. \|author2=Martz, Ron \|page=26 \|year=2009 \|publisher=Simon and Schuster \|isbn=9781416599005 \|access-date=10 June 2015}}</ref> The Honoré family surname is still found among the ].

	Honoré earned a ] in ] from ] in 1971. He also holds an ] in ] from ] as well as an honorary ] from Southern University and A&M College. He has received leadership development training from the international civilian Center for Creative Leadership.<ref>http://www.ccl.org/</ref>		Honoré earned a ] in ] from ] in 1971. He also holds an ] in ] from ] as well as an honorary ] from Southern University and A&M College. He has received leadership development training from the international civilian Center for Creative Leadership.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.ccl.org/ \|title=Home \|website=ccl.org}}</ref>

	==Career==		==Career==
Line 34:		Line 34:

	===Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita===		===Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita===
	On August 31, 2005, Honoré was designated commander of ] responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas across the ]. Honoré's arrival in New Orleans came after what was widely believed to be a poor performance by state and local agencies,{{clarify\|reason=Which state and which localities? Seemingly Louisiana and New Orleans. Others? Seemingly not Mississippi\|date=January 2019}} the ] (FEMA) and its director ].{{citation needed\|date=January 2019}} He gained media celebrity and accolades for his apparent turning around of the situation in the city as well as his gruff management style which contrasted with what many felt were the empty platitudes of civilian officials. In one widely played video clip, Honoré was seen on the streets New Orleans, barking orders to subordinates and, in one case, berating local police officers who were displaying their weapons as they rode past him. "Weapons down! Weapons down, damn it!" Honoré shouted.<ref>{{cite web \|title=NOLA's Superdome: From devastation to recovery \|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nolas-superdome-from-devastation-to-recovery/ \|website=CBS News \|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref> ] ] was quoted on a radio interview on September 1, 2005, saying: "Now, I will tell you this—and I give the president some credit on this—he sent one ] dude down here that can get some stuff done, and his name is Gen. Honoré. And he came off the doggone chopper, and he started cussing and people started moving. And he's getting some stuff done."<ref>~~{{webarchive\|url~~=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518161805/http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=7051_0_44_0_C \|~~date~~=~~2006-05-~~18 }}</ref> '']'', the unofficial newspaper of the ], reported that Honoré had previous experience dealing with flooding at many South Korean bases during ] and supervised the installation of flood control measures.		On August 31, 2005, Honoré was designated commander of ] responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas across the ]. Honoré's arrival in New Orleans came after what was widely believed to be a poor performance by state and local agencies,{{clarify\|reason=Which state and which localities? Seemingly Louisiana and New Orleans. Others? Seemingly not Mississippi\|date=January 2019}} the ] (FEMA) and its director ].{{citation needed\|date=January 2019}} He gained media celebrity and accolades for his apparent turning around of the situation in the city as well as his gruff management style which contrasted with what many felt were the empty platitudes of civilian officials. In one widely played video clip, Honoré was seen on the streets of New Orleans, barking orders to subordinates and, in one case, berating local police officers who were displaying their weapons as they rode past him. "Weapons down! Weapons down, damn it!" Honoré shouted.<ref>{{cite web \|title=NOLA's Superdome: From devastation to recovery \|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nolas-superdome-from-devastation-to-recovery/ \|website=CBS News \|date=2 February 2013 \|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref> ] ] was quoted on a radio interview on September 1, 2005, saying: "Now, I will tell you this—and I give the president some credit on this—he sent one ] dude down here that can get some stuff done, and his name is Gen. Honoré. And he came off the doggone chopper, and he started cussing and people started moving. And he's getting some stuff done."<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=7051_0_44_0_C\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518161805/http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=7051_0_44_0_C\|url-status=dead\|title=Jackson Free Press \| Transcript: New Orleans' Mayor C. Ray Nagin's Interview\|archivedate=May 18, 2006\|accessdate=May 28, 2023}}</ref> '']'', the unofficial newspaper of the ], reported that Honoré had previous experience dealing with flooding at many South Korean bases during ] and supervised the installation of flood control measures.

	On September 20, 2005, at a press conference with Nagin on Hurricane Rita, Honoré made headlines nationwide when he told a reporter not to get "stuck on stupid" in reference to a question about the government response to Hurricane Katrina.<ref>. ].</ref>		On September 20, 2005, at a press conference with Nagin on ], Honoré made headlines nationwide when he told a reporter not to get "stuck on stupid" in reference to a question about the government response to Hurricane Katrina.<ref>. ].</ref>

	====Hurricane Maria comments====		====Hurricane Maria comments====

	After ] devastated ] in 2017, Honoré described the situation in the U.S. territory as being "like a war" and said it was significantly worse than New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retired-lt-gen-russel-honore-who-led-katrina-relief-slams-response-to-puerto-rico/\|agency=CBS News\|title=Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who led Katrina relief, slams response to Puerto Rico\|date=September 29, 2017\|access-date=September 30, 2017}}</ref> Honoré criticized the ]'s response to the crisis, saying it demanded a greater and more rapid response, with a larger commitment of U.S. troops to provide emergency assistance,<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/09/28/554157428/puerto-rico-relief-efforts-got-off-to-a-poor-start-retired-general-says\|agency=National Public Radio\|title=Puerto Rico Relief Effort Replays Scene From Katrina, Retired General Says\|date=September 28, 2017\|access-date=September 30, 2017}}</ref> and told ] anchor ].		After ] devastated ] in 2017, Honoré described the situation in the U.S. territory as being "like a war" and said it was significantly worse than New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retired-lt-gen-russel-honore-who-led-katrina-relief-slams-response-to-puerto-rico/\|agency=CBS News\|title=Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who led Katrina relief, slams response to Puerto Rico\|date=September 29, 2017\|access-date=September 30, 2017}}</ref> Honoré criticized the ]'s response to the crisis, saying it demanded a greater and more rapid response, with a larger commitment of U.S. troops to provide emergency assistance,<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/09/28/554157428/puerto-rico-relief-efforts-got-off-to-a-poor-start-retired-general-says\|agency=National Public Radio\|title=Puerto Rico Relief Effort Replays Scene From Katrina, Retired General Says\|date=September 28, 2017\|access-date=September 30, 2017}}</ref> and told ] anchor ].

	====U.S. Capitol attack security review====		====U.S. Capitol attack security review====
	As a result of the ], ] ] announced on January 15, 2021, that Honoré would lead an investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré to head investigation of Capitol riot \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/01/15/retired-lt-gen-russel-honor-to-head-investigation-of-capitol-riot.html \|website=CNBC \|access-date=22 July 2021 \|language=en \|date=16 January 2021}}</ref> He suggested that fencing should be installed and discussed shortcomings in security.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Retired Lt. General Honoré discusses why threats to the Capitol were ignored \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/04/15/retired-lt-general-honor-discusses-why-threats-to-the-capitol-were-ignored.html \|website=CNBC \|access-date=22 July 2021 \|language=en \|date=15 April 2021}}</ref> He was vocal on ] about the response of the ] officers, calling it a "s**t show".<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/pelosi-tasks-retired-lt-gen-russel-honor-leading-review-capitol-n1254421\|agency=National Broadcasting Corporation\|title=Pelosi tasks retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré with leading review of Capitol security\|date=January 15, 2021\|access-date=April 16, 2021}}</ref>		As a result of the ], ] ] announced on January 15, 2021, that Honoré would lead an investigation into the incident.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré to head investigation of Capitol riot \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/01/15/retired-lt-gen-russel-honor-to-head-investigation-of-capitol-riot.html \|website=CNBC \|access-date=22 July 2021 \|language=en \|date=16 January 2021}}</ref> He suggested that fencing should be installed and discussed shortcomings in security.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Retired Lt. General Honoré discusses why threats to the Capitol were ignored \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2021/04/15/retired-lt-general-honor-discusses-why-threats-to-the-capitol-were-ignored.html \|website=CNBC \|access-date=22 July 2021 \|language=en \|date=15 April 2021}}</ref> He was vocal on ] about the response of the ] officers, calling it a "s**t show".<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/pelosi-tasks-retired-lt-gen-russel-honor-leading-review-capitol-n1254421\|agency=National Broadcasting Corporation\|title=Pelosi tasks retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré with leading review of Capitol security\|date=January 15, 2021\|access-date=April 16, 2021}}</ref>

	In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi by ] ], he was criticized for statements he made in ~~regards~~ to certain members of ], specifically for ] ] to be "run out of D.C." and ] ] needing to be put on a no fly list.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-03\|title=Matt Gaetz leads GOP charge against "bigot" Russel Honoré, head of Capitol security review\|url=https://www.newsweek.com/matt-gaetz-leads-gop-charge-against-bigot-russel-honore-head-capitol-security-review-1573362\|access-date=2021-12-05\|website=Newsweek\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet\|number=1366929619488751616\|user=JudiciaryGOP\|title=🚨 #~~BREAKING~~: @RepMattGaetz, and Judiciary Committee Republicans, blast @~~SpeakerPelosi’s~~ appointment of LTG Russel H…\|accessdate=2021-12-05\|language=en\|date=2021-03-02}}</ref>		In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi by ] ], he was criticized for statements he made in regard to certain members of ], specifically for ] ] to be "run out of D.C." and ] ] needing to be put on a no fly list.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-03\|title=Matt Gaetz leads GOP charge against "bigot" Russel Honoré, head of Capitol security review\|url=https://www.newsweek.com/matt-gaetz-leads-gop-charge-against-bigot-russel-honore-head-capitol-security-review-1573362\|access-date=2021-12-05\|website=Newsweek\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet\|number=1366929619488751616\|user=JudiciaryGOP\|title=🚨 #Breaking: @RepMattGaetz, and Judiciary Committee Republicans, blast @SpeakerPelosi's appointment of LTG Russel H…\|accessdate=2021-12-05\|language=en\|date=2021-03-02}}</ref>

	===Politics===		===Politics===
	In late August 2009, there were reports that Honoré would run for U.S. Senate in 2010 in his native Louisiana as a ] against incumbent Republican Senator ].<ref>~~{{webarchive~~\|~~url~~=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901105635/http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Politics/General_Russell_Honore_To_Run_Vs_David_Vitter_In_Louisiana_US_Race__9439.asp \|~~date~~=2009~~-09-01~~ }}</ref> On August 31, when asked on ] about the reports, Honoré expressed admiration for individuals who aspire to serve in public office but said that he had no plans to seek the Senate seat, as he was unlikely to win with the viewpoints he currently holds.		In late August 2009, there were reports that Honoré would run for U.S. Senate in 2010 in his native Louisiana as a ] against incumbent Republican Senator ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Politics/General_Russell_Honore_To_Run_Vs_David_Vitter_In_Louisiana_US_Race__9439.asp\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901105635/http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Politics/General_Russell_Honore_To_Run_Vs_David_Vitter_In_Louisiana_US_Race__9439.asp\|url-status=dead\|title=General Russell Honore To Run Vs David Vitter In Louisiana US Race?\|archivedate=September 1, 2009\|accessdate=May 28, 2023}}</ref> On August 31, when asked on ] about the reports, Honoré expressed admiration for individuals who aspire to serve in public office but said that he had no plans to seek the Senate seat, as he was unlikely to win with the viewpoints he currently holds.

	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
	Honoré describes himself as an "] ]", a combination that includes ], ], ] and ] ancestry.<ref>"Katrina: The Aftermath: First Army's 'Ragin' Cajun'". '']''. September 14, 2005.</ref> He was raised Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Townsend\|first=Beth\|date=2015-07-03\|title=Cover Story: Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré\|url=http://batonrougechristianlifemagazine.com/2015/07/03/russel_honore/\|access-date=2021-01-17\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Honoré, Russel L. {{!}} Encyclopedia.com\|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/honore-russel-l\|access-date=2021-01-17\|website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref>		Honoré describes himself as an "] ]", a combination that includes ], ], ] and ] ancestry.<ref>"Katrina: The Aftermath: First Army's 'Ragin' Cajun'". '']''. September 14, 2005.</ref> He was raised Catholic.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Townsend\|first=Beth\|date=2015-07-03\|title=Cover Story: Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré\|url=http://batonrougechristianlifemagazine.com/2015/07/03/russel_honore/\|access-date=2021-01-17\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|title=Honoré, Russel L. {{!}} Encyclopedia.com\|url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/honore-russel-l\|access-date=2021-01-17\|website=www.encyclopedia.com}}</ref>

	During the halftime of the ] in ], Louisiana, on December 30, 2005, Honoré was honored with the ] "Spirit of Independence Award" because of his leadership in the recovery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.		During the halftime of the ] in ], Louisiana, on December 30, 2005, Honoré was honored with the ] "Spirit of Independence Award" because of his leadership in the recovery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Line 57:		Line 57:
	Honoré was also awarded the Key to the City Award to New Orleans in Recognition of his Exemplary Military Service during the third anniversary of Katrina ceremonies.{{Citation needed\|date=January 2009}}		Honoré was also awarded the Key to the City Award to New Orleans in Recognition of his Exemplary Military Service during the third anniversary of Katrina ceremonies.{{Citation needed\|date=January 2009}}

			Honoré resides in ] with his wife, Beverly, and their four children.<ref></ref> He founded GreenARMY, an environmental group, and has criticized excessive groundwater use by ] and ] in Baton Rouge, and their close relationship with the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation Commission that oversees and regulates water use by these corporations.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sneath \|first=Sara \|date=2022-06-08 \|title=Industry overpumping of Baton Rouge groundwater could pollute the supply for residents \|url=https://lailluminator.com/2022/06/08/industry-overpumping-of-baton-rouge-groundwater-could-pollute-the-supply-for-residents/ \|access-date=2022-06-18 \|website=Louisiana Illuminator \|language=en-US}}</ref>
	He resides in ] with his wife, Beverly, and their four children.<ref></ref>

	==Awards and decorations==		==Awards and decorations==
	{{BLP ~~unsourced~~ section\|date=June 2010}}		{{BLP unreferenced section\|date=June 2010}}
	{{colbegin}}		{{colbegin}}
	* {{ribbon_devices\|number=1\|type=oak\|ribbon=Defense Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg\|width=106}}  ] with ]		* {{ribbon_devices\|number=1\|type=oak\|ribbon=Defense Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg\|width=106}}  ] with ]
Line 100:		Line 100:

	==External links==		==External links==
	{{Commons category~~\|Russel Honoré~~}}		{{Commons category}}
	* ~~, official website of General Honoré, LLC~~		* {{Official website\|http://www.generalhonore.com}}
	* {{IMDb name\|2371786\|Russel Honoré}}		* {{IMDb name\|2371786\|Russel Honoré}}
	* {{C-SPAN\|1017041}}		* {{C-SPAN\|1017041}}
Line 123:		Line 123:
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
Line 137:		Line 137:
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]

Latest revision as of 20:03, 6 November 2024

US Army General

This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.
Find sources: "Russel L. Honoré" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

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	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 (/ˈɒnəreɪ/ ON-ər-ay; born September 15, 1947) is a retired lieutenant general who served as the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. First Army at Fort Gillem, Georgia. He is best known for serving as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina–affected areas across the Gulf Coast and as the 2nd Infantry Division's commander while stationed in South Korea. He served until his retirement from the Army on January 11, 2008. Honoré is sometimes known as "The Ragin' Cajun".

Early life and education

A native of Lakeland in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, and 9th of 12 children, born to a Louisiana Créole family who settled in Pointe Coupée Parish. The Honoré family surname is still found among the Cane River Créoles.

Honoré earned a B.S. in vocational agriculture from Southern University and A&M College in 1971. He also holds an M.A. in human resources from Troy University as well as an honorary D.P.A. from Southern University and A&M College. He has received leadership development training from the international civilian Center for Creative Leadership.

Career

Prior to his appointment on July 15, 2004, as Commander, First United States Army, Honoré served in a variety of command and staff positions in South Korea and Germany. He served as Commanding General, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea; Vice Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.; Deputy Commanding General and Assistant Commandant, United States Army Infantry Center and School, Fort Benning, Georgia; and Assistant Division Commander, Maneuver/Support, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

On June 13, 2002, in South Korea, soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division were on a training mission near the North Korean border when their vehicle hit and killed two 14-year-old girls on a narrow public road. In July 2002, the U.S. military indicted Sgt. Mark Walker and Sgt. Fernando Nino on charges of negligent homicide. They were later found not guilty. Honoré (then a major general) responded by visiting the victims' parents and promising the U.S. military would build a memorial near the accident site to honor the girls.

On January 15, 2021, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that Honoré would lead a review of security failures following the U.S. Capitol attack that will focus on "security infrastructure, interagency processes and procedures, and command and control".

Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita

On August 31, 2005, Honoré was designated commander of Joint Task Force Katrina responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas across the Gulf Coast. Honoré's arrival in New Orleans came after what was widely believed to be a poor performance by state and local agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its director Michael D. Brown. He gained media celebrity and accolades for his apparent turning around of the situation in the city as well as his gruff management style which contrasted with what many felt were the empty platitudes of civilian officials. In one widely played video clip, Honoré was seen on the streets of New Orleans, barking orders to subordinates and, in one case, berating local police officers who were displaying their weapons as they rode past him. "Weapons down! Weapons down, damn it!" Honoré shouted. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was quoted on a radio interview on September 1, 2005, saying: "Now, I will tell you this—and I give the president some credit on this—he sent one John Wayne dude down here that can get some stuff done, and his name is Gen. Honoré. And he came off the doggone chopper, and he started cussing and people started moving. And he's getting some stuff done." Stars and Stripes, the unofficial newspaper of the United States Armed Forces, reported that Honoré had previous experience dealing with flooding at many South Korean bases during monsoon season and supervised the installation of flood control measures.

On September 20, 2005, at a press conference with Nagin on Hurricane Rita, Honoré made headlines nationwide when he told a reporter not to get "stuck on stupid" in reference to a question about the government response to Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane Maria comments

After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, Honoré described the situation in the U.S. territory as being "like a war" and said it was significantly worse than New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. Honoré criticized the Trump administration's response to the crisis, saying it demanded a greater and more rapid response, with a larger commitment of U.S. troops to provide emergency assistance, and told CNN anchor Erin Burnett.

U.S. Capitol attack security review

As a result of the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on January 15, 2021, that Honoré would lead an investigation into the incident. He suggested that fencing should be installed and discussed shortcomings in security. He was vocal on Twitter about the response of the United States Capitol Police officers, calling it a "s**t show".

In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi by Representative Matt Gaetz, he was criticized for statements he made in regard to certain members of Congress, specifically for Senator Josh Hawley to be "run out of D.C." and Representative Lauren Boebert needing to be put on a no fly list.

Politics

In late August 2009, there were reports that Honoré would run for U.S. Senate in 2010 in his native Louisiana as a Republican against incumbent Republican Senator David Vitter. On August 31, when asked on CNN about the reports, Honoré expressed admiration for individuals who aspire to serve in public office but said that he had no plans to seek the Senate seat, as he was unlikely to win with the viewpoints he currently holds.

Personal life

Honoré describes himself as an "African-American Creole", a combination that includes French, African, Native American and Spanish ancestry. He was raised Catholic.

During the halftime of the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 30, 2005, Honoré was honored with the Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award" because of his leadership in the recovery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Honoré was also awarded the Key to the City Award to New Orleans in Recognition of his Exemplary Military Service during the third anniversary of Katrina ceremonies.

Honoré resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with his wife, Beverly, and their four children. He founded GreenARMY, an environmental group, and has criticized excessive groundwater use by ExxonMobil and Georgia-Pacific in Baton Rouge, and their close relationship with the Capital Area Groundwater Conservation Commission that oversees and regulates water use by these corporations.

Awards and decorations

This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately.
Find sources: "Russel L. Honoré" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message)