Courtesy Photo | Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore, carrying a large stick, spoke to several hundred students,...... read more read more
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by Spc. Jim Wilt
82nd (AA) PAO
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – "We live in a new normal. Our lives will never be the same again," said Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore to an audience of several hundred students, teachers, cadets, military personnel and local residents.
Honore, the First U.S. Army Commanding General, participated in the Fayetteville State University Chancellors' Distinguished Speaker Series Oct. 5.
"I think being a general officer in the U.S. Army, and a minority general officer, he has the ability to give a message that resonates with Americans," said Brig. Gen Karl Horst, the Deputy Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps.
"His message is anything is possible," Horst said. "It goes back to the quality of character not necessarily ethnicity, gender or religion."
With a big stick in hand, the former Joint Task Force-Katrina commander moved among his audience as he spoke to them about leadership and his experiences as commander of JTF Katrina.
"We live in a new normal," Honore emphasized. "Ladies and Gentlemen you must be ready."
The "new normal," Honore refers to is life post-Sept. 11, 2001 and post-Hurricane Katrina.
Sept. 11 demonstrated the enemy's ability to attack the U.S. on American soil.
Katrina demonstrated the damage a natural disaster can cause.
A terrorist attack, a train wreck or an epidemic could happen at any time, the three-star general said.
"These incidents can happen anytime, any place...We must have personal preparation," Honore said.
Following Hurricane Katrina, U.S. military forces including the 82nd Airborne Division were deployed to the storm-stricken region to provide aid.
Honore, who led the military disaster relief, shared leadership tips with his audience.
"His leadership and presence was a dominating effect in the city of New Orleans. It was physical and psychological. His presence made people feel good," Horst said.
"Doing nothing is not an option in a crisis," Honore explained.
"People are looking for someone to calm them. They are looking for someone to 'unconfuse' them."
Honore explained to his audience the need for quick decisions.
"See first, understand first, act first," he said.
"Greatness is in your path if you can do that," he added.
As Honore closed his speech, he left the audience with words of resolve.
"The best of this nation is in the future because in this 'new normal' we know America won't be free until this world is free."
| Date Taken: | 10.05.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 10.11.2006 10:59 |
| Story ID: | 7983 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 151 |
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