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Department Service Officers
Department Service Officers (DSOs) are assigned to the Department of Arizona rather than a specific Chapter; however, DSOs have annual training and recertification, much like CSOs. Certified Department and Chapter Service Officers (DSOs/CSOs) provide one of the most important links in the organization. They are responsible for providing information about benefits and gathering information to assist in obtaining benefits and services available to veterans, their dependents and survivors. The responsibility of DSOs and CSOs is to advise, instruct and counsel claimants and to aid in the preparation of claims for various benefits to which claimants may be entitled. When an inquiry is taken or after an appropriate form is properly completed, such information must be forwarded to the National Service Office of jurisdiction in a timely manner.
NOTE: DSO Claim Services at Department Headquarters are by Appointment only
Dr. Carl Forkner - USN
Dr. Forkner is Past Adjutant and Past Commander of East Valley Chapter 8. He was also Northern District Liaison for 3 years and Department Junior Vice Commander for 2 years before taking his current role in June 2025. In June 2026, he was elected as District 18 National Executive Committee member, representing AZ, NV, and HI. Dr. Forkner is currently a member of Phoenix Chapter 1. He is also Program Director for the state's Native American and Rural Veteran Outreach Program and Advisor to the DAV National Native American Outreach Program.
Department Commander & Tucson TC/HSC
Level II DSO
Bruce Nogar - USAF
Bruce Nogar was elected Department Commander in June 2025 and reelected in June 2026. He has been Transportation Coordinator and Hospital Services Coordinator (TC/HSC) at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) in Tucson for the last decade, also working with the transportation needs at the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS) in Prescott. Commander Nogar is a member of Sahuarita/Green Valley Chapter 38.
Dept Chief of Staff, PDC, & Tucson VAVS
Level I DSO
Johnny Stewart - USMC
Johnny Stewart is a Past Commander of DAV Department of Arizona and has served multiple Department Commanders as Chief of Staff. He has also served for many years as the VAVS coordinator at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) in Tucson. PDC Stewart is a member of Chapter 26 in Benson.
Northern District Liaison & Remote DSO
Level I DSO
Debbie Roberts - USAF
Debbie Roberts was elected as Northern District Liaison at the June 2026 Department Convention. She is a DSO, assigned to work with the Native American and Rural Veteran Outreach Program, currently focusing on the Rural Veteran Communities in Globe, AZ and Kearny, AZ. Debbie is currently a member of Phoenix Chapter 1.