Carl Forkner is a dedicated veterans advocate whose career centers on service leadership, mental health, and operational excellence across Arizona’s veteran support systems. He works with VA hospitals, suicide prevention, and oversees multiple DAV chapters, the volunteer transportation network, and clinic-based support for veterans navigating health care and benefits. A U.S. Navy veteran with eight deployments and three counter-terrorism operations, Carl brings firsthand experience to his leadership roles, including serving as CEO for Arizona’s DAV organization and is on the Board of Directors for Unified Arizona Veterans, a statewide consortium of more than 50 organizations. He holds doctoral degrees from the University of Phoenix and Liberty University, with research focused on PTSD and Moral Injury, neurofeedback, and community dynamics. Carl has received numerous honors, including induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. His philosophy is grounded in perseverance, self-improvement, and the belief that service is about others, not self.