Tampa Socialite Jill Kelley Awarded 'Country’s Second-Highest Honor for a Civilian'

Tampa socialite Jill Kelley, a key figure in the scandal that brought down CIA director Gen. David Petraeus, received the "country’s second-highest honor for a civilian," according to the New York Post. The honor was awarded because of the socialite's “selfless contributions” and “willingness to host engagements.”

Kelley received the honor in March 2011, a year and a half before the career ending Petraeus scandal would emerge.

"Petraeus recommended her for the award while he was commander of Tampa’s US Central Command, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Tampa Tribune," says the Post.

Adm. Mike Mullen, who was then the Joint Chiefs chair, approved it.

Kelley during a Washington, DC, ceremony received a silver medal, lapel pin and a citation for her efforts. Petraeus presented the award, which recognized the Florida socialite’s “outstanding public service to the United States Central Command, the MacDill Air Force Base community and the Department of Defense from October 31, 2008 to May 31, 2010.”

The citation also notes Kelley’s work in “advancing various military endeavors” and her “willingness to host engagements with senior national representatives from more than 60 countries,” according to the Tampa Tribune.