Petraeus Apologizes For Affair in First Public Speech Since Resignation From the CIA

Former Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus apologized on Tuesday for his affair in his first speech since his resignation, according to ABC News.

Petraeus attended an annual ROTC dinner at the University of Southern California where, in front of approximately 600 people, he addressed his past indiscretions.

"Needless to say, I join you, keenly aware that I am regarded in a different light now than I was a year ago," he said at the hotel in Los Angeles where the dinner was held. "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 to my resignation from the CIA and caused such pain for my family, friends and supporters."

This is the first time Petraeus has publicly spoken about the incident since his resignation letter to the CIA.

"After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair."

The affair with writer Paula Broadwell, who wrote Petraeus' biography "All In", was exposed in November of 2012. The FBI discovered the affair after an investigation into emails betweem Broadwell and socialite Jill Kelley.

Petraeus' wife, Holly, was present at the dinner Tuesday.

"I know I can never fully assuage the pain that I inflicted on those closest to me and a number of others," he continued Tuesday. "As I close, I want to say thank you for words of encouragement to family. ... This has been difficult episode for us ... to fall as far as I did."

In addition to his apology Petraeus did spend time addressing what can be done to help United States veterans. He spoke about the difficulties veterans face upon leaving the service and coming back to life in the U.S.

"In reality, the transition often is quite challenging. Hanging up the uniform is quite difficult," he explained.

Petraeus also wrote an op-ed piece on the subject in the Wall Street Journal.