NEW ROADS — Pointe Coupee Parish is home to many famous figures in Louisiana history, ranging from politicians to writers.

One of these famous Pointe Coupeeans is Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who was born in Lakeland and grew up on a farm. 

He spent much of his childhood around horses and cattle, saying that the principles he learned in Pointe Coupee guided his life and took him far in the U.S. Army. 

"Our teachers instill in us at St. Alma Elementary and Rosenwald that if you get your education, you can go and do anything you want in America, and that was instilled by and large that became true and I live that dream of doing something and making a difference," Honore said.

He rose to the rank of Lt. General and commanded armies and worked with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

Despite his decorated career, Honore is best known as the general who led Louisiana out of disaster in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Honore is remembered and honored as one of Pointe Coupee's heroes at a special memorial park across from St. Mary of False River Catholic Church.