CORNWALL – Former Commanding General of Multi-National forces in Iraq, and native of Cornwall, General David Petraeus visited his old stomping grounds Thursday afternoon by receiving honors at his old high school, delivering words of encouragement to local Boy Scouts and touring the Orange County Choppers Headquarters.  

Petraeus shows off his Cornwall High School varsity soccer jacket

Outside, the general signs an autograph for a veteran

After meeting with Vice President Biden and members of the National Security Council at the White House, Petraeus flew to the Hudson Valley and began his afternoon with a trip to OCC Headquarters to thank them “for their tremendous support of our troops and their families.”

Shortly after that, the general traveled to Cornwall Middle School, formerly the high school from which he graduated in 1970, to receive multiple honors from local dignitaries.

He was introduced by his former classmate, Orange County Legislator Alan Seidman, before a dedication took place officially naming County Road 107 the “General David Howell Petraeus Highway.”

“It’s awesome, and in fact a bit overwhelming,” he said. “I remember when I was in this school,” he said, reminiscing of his days as a paper boy before noting, “I am in equal parts humbled and honored by the recognition you’ve accorded me today.”

The general accepted the honors on behalf of himself and the 230,000 plus soldiers serving throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility saying,

Wearing a uniform is nothing new to Gen. Petraeus. He got his start as a Cub Scout in Cornwall.

“In honoring me here today you honor them. This is, in short, their highway not mine.”

The general briefly discussed meetings held this week to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

 “I can assure you that these have been superb discussions and that we are very much working on the tough issues that lie ahead for our troops and our missions in the Afghanistan/Pakistan areas.”

The general’s last stop of the evening was a Boy Scout event where he addressed local Boy Scout chapters to “say thanks to all of them.” He wished specifically to say, “well done to all those who are in Scouts on what they’ve achieved and to say how much we appreciate those who make it possible for them to be Scouts.”

As for the remainder of his visit, Petraeus will spend time with his fellow West Point Alumni at their 35th anniversary reunion.