Russel L. Honoré

Russel Honoré

Nickname(s)	"The Ragin' Cajun"
Born	1947 (age 69–70) 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 Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (5) Bronze Star Expert Infantryman Badge
Website	Official website

Russel L. Honoré (/ˈɒnəreɪ/ ON-ər-ay; born 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", although he is actually of Louisiana Creole with a West Indies background, whose family came through the port of New Orleans and settled in the Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. The Honoré family surname is still found among the Cane River Créoles.

A native of Lakeland in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, and youngest of 12 children, Honoré earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University and A&M College in 1971. He also holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources from Troy State University as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Southern University and A&M College. He has received leadership development training from the international civilian Center for Creative Leadership.