Department Officers

Dr. Forkner received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 2013. He previously received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1980, a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in 1984, and a Master of Strategic Studies (M.S.S.) 2006. He currently conducts studies as a Research Psychologist, focusing on assessment methodologies and their application to outcomes and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Behavioral Health Leadership.

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After three years teaching at high school and undergraduate collegiate levels, Commander Forkner served as a commissioned officer in the United Stated Navy three decades, under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer and later a Surface Warfare Officer. His operational experience during his Navy career included eight overseas deployments. He served in three counter-terrorism operations, including the 1986 operations against Libya, 2001 Operation Infinite Justice/Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Noble Eagle/Presidential Support while attached to NORAD from 2002-2005. He is a life member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), American Veterans (AMVETS), Navy League, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association (IAVA), the American Legion, and the Old Antarctic Explorers Association.

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Although now retired from full-time work, Dr. Forkner is a Service Officer for the DAV East Valley Chapter 8 in Mesa, Arizona, as well as Northern District of Arizona Commander, works as a Research Psychologist with Vitanya Brain Performance, volunteers assisting career-seekers at Career Connectors (a Phoenix area nonprofit), and is a trained Military/Veteran Resource Navigator. He is a certified Dementia Friends AZ Champion and trainer, an Ambassador and Crisis Response Planning Coach for Objective Zero, a Field Advocate and Trainer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (and AZ Chapter), and is a published member of the Forbes Coaches Council. He is also a Certified Life Coach specializing in career coaching, recovery coaching, and work/life balance coaching.

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Dr. Forkner is married to the former Joanne Schwertfeger and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Their son, Keith, works for the Illinois Department of Revenue as a Tax Specialist and is a youth hockey official. Their daughter, Krystle, is a professional artist with international clients and a busy Mom. Their son, Brendan, is an IT Technician managing IT infrastructure and the nationwide network for Hyundai Glovis, and has a business building custom PCs and home networks.

Tom McCoy was born in Detroit, Michigan and joined the US Navy in 1974. Tom served as a Gunner’s Mate – Missile type aboard the USS Albany CG-10, Commanding ship of the 6^th Fleet.

He joined the DAV in 2000 and volunteered with the steering committee on the Arizona StandDown 2001. Tom worked as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker for 25 years in Detroit and Phoenix before his disabilities forced him to seek other employment. In 2009 Tom joined the workforce at the Phoenix VA and there he provides administrative support to the Pharmacy Service.

Tom’s wife serves as Unit Chaplin and Department of Arizona Junior Vice Commander for the DAVA and they have four awesome granddaughters that actively support Veterans across Arizona.