(NORFOLK, Va. - June 17, 2004) – Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today that Army Maj. Gen. Russel L. Honore` has been nominated to receive a promotion to Lieutenant General and serve as Commander, First U.S. Army.
As Commander, First U.S. Army, Honore` will oversee the training, mobilization and deployment of Army Reserve and National Guard units in the eastern United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As directed, he will also lead homeland security (HLS) operations in support of national objectives. One of two continental Armies in the U.S., First U.S. Army is headquartered at Fort Gillem in Forest Park, Georgia.
Currently serving as Acting Deputy Commanding General for Initial Entry Training at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Honore` most recently served as Commander, Standing Joint Force Headquarters-Homeland Security supporting U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) role in conducting homeland security operations to deter, prevent, and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility. The command also provided military assistance to civil authorities including consequence management, as directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense.
A native of Lakeland, La., Honore` is the son of the late Lloyd and Marie Udell (St. Amant) Honor. He attended St. Alma Elementary School in Lakeland and is a 1966 graduate of Rosenwald High School.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University and A&M College, in 1971, Honore` was then commissioned a second lieutenant and began his career in uniform as an infantry officer. He has also earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources from Troy State University and an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Southern University and A&M College.
Honore`’s personal awards and decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Joint Staff Identification Badge.
BIOGRAPHY
Major General Russel L. Honore`
Acting Commander, Initial Entry Training
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
Fort Monroe, Hampton, Virginia
Major General Honore` assumed duties as the Acting Deputy Commanding General for Initial Entry Training at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command on 01 June 2004.
Most recently, he served as Commander, Standing Joint Force Headquarters-Homeland Security, U.S. Northern Command on 5 August 2002 and held that position until 01 June 2004.
As Commander, Major General Honore` planned and conducted land and maritime military operations and provided Military Assistance to Civilian Authorities (MACA) in order to protect and defend the United States of America. He was responsible for two Joint Task Forces: Joint Task Force-Civil Support, whose main focus is consequence management of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear high-yield explosion events; and Joint Task Force-Six whose main focus is counter-drugs and counter-narcotics support.
Standing Joint Force Headquarters-Homeland Security supported U.S. Northern Command’s role in conducting operations to deter, prevent, and defeat threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories, and interests within the assigned area of responsibility. And, as directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense, the command was to provide military assistance to civil authorities, including consequence management.
Major General Honore`, a native of Lakeland, La., was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry in 1971and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Vocational Agriculture from Southern University and A&M College, a Master of Arts degree 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 held numerous command and staff positions, including Commanding General, 2d Infantry Division, Korea; Vice Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.; Deputy Commanding General/Assistant Commandant, United States Army Infantry Center and School, Fort Benning, Georgia; Assistant Division Commander, Maneuver / Support, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Brigade Commander, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Senior Mechanized Observer / Controller, “Scorpion 07”, National Training Center (25 Rotations); and Commander, 4th Battalion, 16th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Germany.
Major General Honore`’s personal awards and decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Joint Staff Identification Badge.