Bad Ass: Lt. General Russel Honoré Will Lead A Review of Capitol Hill Security Breakdown

By Gary Johnson, Publisher – Black Men In America.com

Russel L. Honoré is a retired lieutenant general, and a legitimate and universal “bad ass” who served as the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. Army at Fort. Gillem, GA. In my mind, Honoré came to national prominence when he lead the Defense Department’s response to Hurricanes Katrina. He also led the response to Hurricane Rita.

Honoré is a universal “bad ass” who knows his stuff and is not to messed with. His leadership style is no-nonsense, upfront and fair. This man is a leader. I feel confident that this investigation will be comprehensive and will leave no “stone un-turned.”

Prior to his command of Joint Task Force-Katrina – leading the Department of Defense response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana – General Honoré served in a variety of command and staff positions which focused on Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Defense.

As Vice Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., and, as the Commander, Standing Joint Force Headquarters-Homeland Security, United States Northern Command, General Honoré’s focus was Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Defense.

For four of the past six hurricane seasons, he supported the Department of Defense planning and response for Hurricanes Floyd in 1999; Lilli and Isidore in 2002 (both hit the Gulf Coast); Isabel in 2003; and Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne in 2004.

General Honoré also planned and supported the United States military response to the devastating flooding which swept Venezuela 1999 and Mozambique in 2000. As Vice Director for Operations, he led the Defense Department’s planning and preparation for the anticipated Y2K Millennium anomaly. As Commander of SJFHQ-HLS under NORTHCOM direction, he planned and oversaw the military response to the Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy and the DC Sniper Shootings. Additionally, General Honoré participated in three TOPOFF (Top Officials) exercises as well as the United Endeavor series of Homeland Defense exercises.