David Petraeus, who became one of the most decorated and respected military figures of his generation but who retired after an admitted extramarital affair, is expected to give the keynote address on Tuesday night at USC’s annual dinner for veterans and ROTC students.
Petraeus is expected to open his speech with a mea cupla about his affair, his personal journey, and a new chapter since his resignation working in the private sector in economics, energy and veterans issues, according to the New York Times, which published an advance text of his speech.
“Needless to say, I join you keenly aware that I am regarded in a different light now than I was a year ago,” Petraeus will say, according to the Times. “I am also keenly aware that the reason for my recent journey was my own doing.
“So please allow me to begin my remarks this evening by reiterating how deeply I regret — and apologize for — the circumstances that led me to resign from the CIA and caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters.”
Petraeus served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from Sept. 6, 2011, until his resignation on Nov. 9, 2012 citing an affair with Paula Broadwell, the author of his biography, “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus.”
Petraeus reportedly ended the affair about the time he learned that Broadwell had been sending harassing emails to a longstanding family friend of the Petraeuses, Jill Kelley.
It was reportedly an FBI investigation that led authorities to the email account of Broadwell.
Before that, Petraeus was a decorated four-star general, serving over 37 years in the Army, including as commander of the International Security Assistance Force and commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
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