Dr. Forkner received his first 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 completing a second Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis area of 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 of America (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 Adjutant and CEO for DAV Department of Arizona, and is a trained Military/Veteran Resource Navigator. He is a certified Dementia Friendly Mesa Champion and trainer, an Ambassador and Crisis Response Planning Coach for Objective Zero, a Field Advocate of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and is a published member of the Forbes Coaches Council. 

Most recently, Dr. Forkner was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame on October 24, 2025 and served as the Cold War Veteran Grand Marshal for the Honoring America's Veterans Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

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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 Audit Specialist and is a youth hockey official. Their daughter, Krystle, is a professional artist with international clients. 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.

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