About Dr. Forkner

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.

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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, and the American Legion.

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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.

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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.

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