What happens when veterans—those who once risked everything to serve their country—can’t access the support they desperately need, like emergency financial aid, mental health care, or long-term assistance? The impact is severe: homelessness, untreated trauma, broken families, and rising suicide rates. Without dedicated systems in place, those who protected our freedom are left to face overwhelming challenges alone. This is where Visionary Healthcare Pioneers make a vital difference. They don’t just treat symptoms—they solve problems others overlook.
By building community-driven support networks, advocating for underserved populations, addressing mental health crises, and preparing for the growing needs of aging veterans, they bring empathy, action, and innovation into spaces where lives depend on it. In a world full of gaps and delays, these pioneers are the reason someone finds stability, hope, and the chance to rebuild.
Among those leading this vital change is Dr. Carl Forkner, President and CEO of Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation. To overcome funding limitations faced by the original DAV chapter, he established the foundation as a 501(c)(3), enabling access to grants and expanding emergency aid programs. Under his leadership, the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation built a strong operational structure, becoming part of a Veteran Assistance Coalition—now nearly 100 organizations strong—and forged impactful community partnerships.
Dr. Forkner plays an active role in outreach as a trained Military/Veteran Resource Navigator, Veteran-Ready Healthcare Provider, and advocate for suicide prevention and dementia care. He also contributes to healthcare policy, conducts research on PTSD and moral injury, and leads educational initiatives. With over 325 veterans supported each month and Arizona’s largest team of certified Veteran Service Officers, his efforts have been recognized through multiple honors, including the Arizona DAV Disabled Veteran of the Year and DAV Distinguished Service Award—underscoring his unwavering commitment to helping veterans rebuild their lives.
Bridging the Gap in Veteran Support Services
The Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation was created to address a major gap in veteran support services. DAV East Valley Chapter 8 operates under a 501(c)(4) status, which limits its ability to apply for grants—crucial funding that many veterans in crisis rely on. Realizing this limitation, Dr. Carl Forkner stepped up to establish the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making it possible to secure grants and expand emergency financial assistance programs.
He brought his leadership team along, completed the necessary certifications, and laid the groundwork for a strong, sustainable organization. From the beginning, he focused on building partnerships with veteran-focused groups throughout the Phoenix East Valley region, ensuring that more veterans could access the help they truly need.
Cost-Efficient Outreach Through Community Involvement
One of the ongoing challenges the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation faces is conducting effective outreach without spending heavily on marketing, which can take resources away from direct support for veterans. To address this, Dr. Carl Forkner and his team became actively involved with the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as Chair of the Mesa Veterans Program and sits on the Healthcare and Government Affairs Committees.
The Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation also engages the community through regular presentations, veterans’ resource fairs, and collaboration with city and community leaders. Dr. Forkner’s certifications as a Military/Veteran Resource Navigator and a Veteran-Ready Healthcare Provider help him connect veterans to the right support quickly and with care. This combination of strong networks, active engagement, and trusted leadership allows the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation to serve veterans efficiently and compassionately.
Emergency Financial Support
The Emergency Financial Assistance Program is one of the most in-demand services offered by the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation, helping veterans cover essential needs like rent and utility bills. In special situations, the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation also steps in with creative solutions—such as providing reliable transportation to veterans who have secured employment but lack a way to get to work.
By partnering with organizations like the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Azura Veterans Alliance, and the Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation has expanded its ability to serve more people. It operates through a strong referral system—if the team can’t meet a veteran’s needs directly, they ensure a warm handoff to trusted partners, always maintaining respect, privacy, and care.
Suicide Prevention and Elder Care in Focus
Dr. Carl Forkner is closely watching two urgent and impactful trends shaping the future of healthcare and veteran services:
- Veteran Suicide: The U.S. loses one veteran to suicide every hour and one active-duty service member daily. Post-9/11 veterans are most at risk due to reintegration struggles, while Vietnam-era veterans also face ongoing physical and mental health challenges. A national shortage of mental health professionals, including in the VA system, worsens access to care. Dr. Forkner addresses this by serving as a Field Advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Ambassador for Objective Zero, a mobile app that offers real-time, confidential crisis support to veterans and their families.
- The “Silver Tsunami”: Aging veterans, especially from the Vietnam era, are driving demand for long-term and dementia-related care, needs the current system struggles to meet due to a lack of geriatric specialists and infrastructure. Dr. Carl Forkner leads efforts through Dementia-Friendly Mesa and the Dementia Friendly Business Program, training local teams and partners to better support veterans with cognitive decline and build more inclusive, responsive communities.
Together, these efforts reflect Dr. Forkner’s forward-thinking approach—one that doesn’t just respond to problems, but works to prevent them by building resilient, veteran-centered systems of care.
Four Decades of Research
Dr. Carl Forkner has been actively involved in research for more than four decades, exploring a wide range of topics including military operations, national strategy, education, and mental health. His current focus is on the prevalence of moral injury among veterans with PTSD, including how faith leaders—such as pastors, priests, and clergy—can support those dealing with this often-overlooked trauma. Dr. Forkner also plays a key role in the Mesa Chamber Healthcare Committee, where he helps lead discussions and programs to strengthen and prepare the local healthcare system. Additionally, the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation has earned recognition for its work in raising dementia awareness by being certified as a Dementia-Friendly Business.
Collaborative Efforts That Strengthen Veteran Services
The Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation continues to explore impactful partnerships that expand its reach and enhance the quality of support provided to veterans and their families. These collaborations are built through ongoing outreach efforts, shared goals, and a mutual commitment to service. The focus remains on developing alliances that bring real value to the veteran community, especially in areas where help is most urgently needed.
Specifically, the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation:
- Seeks partners offering direct veteran services or corporate sponsorships
- Prioritizes alliances with organizations equally committed to improving veterans’ lives
- Engages in outreach efforts to build meaningful, long-term collaborations
- Actively participates with national organizations such as VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, MOAA, Navy League, IAVA, and Heal the Hero
Through these strategic connections, the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation strengthens its role as a trusted bridge between veterans and the support systems they deserve.
Personal and Organizational Achievements
Both personally and through the Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation, Dr. Forkner has earned meaningful recognition for his service and contributions. The Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation holds the highest number of certified Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in Arizona—18 in total across Mesa and Payson—who assist veterans in navigating VA benefits.
Dr. Carl Forkner’s individual honors include:
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal – five awards
- USO Volunteer Service to Education Award
- Coach of the Season Award
- Career Connectors Volunteer of the Year
- Disabled Veteran of the Year – 2021 and 2022
- DAV Distinguished Service Award – 2024
- Nominee for the upcoming 2025 Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame
These accolades highlight his deep commitment to supporting veterans and strengthening the systems that serve them
Safeguarding Veteran Privacy
The Arizona DAV East Valley Veterans Foundation supports over 325 veterans each month, with strict confidentiality at the heart of its process. It does not store any personal or medical records. Once a veteran is assisted, their information is securely uploaded directly to the Veterans Administration. This careful process helps prevent data breaches and ensures sensitive information is handled properly, maintaining accountability and trust.
Compassion Over Profit
Dr. Forkner believes that success in nonprofit work shouldn’t be defined by economic forecasts or profit margins. Instead, true impact comes from compassion and making a difference in people’s lives. In his view, every dollar should be directed toward helping someone in need. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and earning trust through genuine service. By leading with integrity and focusing on community impact, he says, people will support the mission and help it grow.
Committed to Veterans—In Every Action, Every Day
Dr. Forkner emphasizes that true leadership isn’t about personal achievements, but about the ability to develop and empower others. His goal has always been to build a strong team that could carry the mission forward, even in his absence. He hopes to be remembered for creating a lasting impact and fostering a team that serves veterans with empathy, dedication, and pride. The core value he strives to uphold is selflessness—because for him, everything begins and ends with supporting veterans, their families, and their survivors.
Dr. Carl Forkner’s 5 Powerful Business Mantras
- Solve Real Problems: Build systems that address root causes—not just temporary fixes.
- Lead with Compassion: Success means impact, not profit. Every dollar should serve those in need.
- Empower Others: Great leaders build teams that carry the mission forward without them.
- Collaborate Smartly: Partnerships and community ties amplify impact with minimal cost.
- Stay Mission-Driven: Purpose and integrity should guide every decision and action.
