I've never lived in NO, but a couple of our kids went to LSU, so we had occasion to visit the area a number of times. We lived in the Houston area, so we were no strangers to heat and humidity, but I'd swear NO had more of both. It's good if you can get moved soon before the worst of that sets in so that you can acclimate gradually. Of course, "spring" is probably a couple of weeks in early March, and after that, be sure the AC works - no kidding! Also, if you've never lived in a hurricane area, you need to know that everyone must pay attention to tropical weather conditions and be ready to evacuate. Just get out, preferably ahead of the crowd. Remember that Katrina wasn't even considered a very big hurricane!
I'm sure you'll find quilt friends there. Here are a couple of interesting websites I googled up just now:
http://quiltinggallery.com/2010/03/1...lock-by-block/ and New Orleans Modern Quilt Guild
http://nolamqg.webs.com/ One thing the military teaches people is how to adapt and make friends in a hurry. Best wishes and thanks for your service!