Claims, Employment, Education and changes
Lt. Col Wilbert B. Forbes, Former Deputy Secretary for the Veterans Administration, Maryland He is a Past Department Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for the State of Maryland
Former Deputy Secretary for the Veterans Administration, Maryland. Prior to this appointment, he was a Contract/Consultant Investigator conducting security background investigations for applicants seeking security clearances for positions of trust and responsibility in various agencies in the federal government. Mr. Forbes is very supportive of matters recognizing the service and sacrifices of veterans. He is a Past Department Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for the State of Maryland and has served as the Sixth District National Executive Committee Alternate, representing the DAV Departments of Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. During his tenure with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Deputy Secretary Forbes continues to be a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families. He has been involved in a number of instances whereby assistance and help has been provided to those who were in need. His involvement with homeless veterans on the state’s Eastern Shore has resulted in the establishment of a veterans’ service center which bears his name Forbes Hall Veterans Education and Training Center, Salisbury, Maryland. Most recently, Deputy Secretary Forbes was honored by the African American Patriots Consortium, Inc., and was awarded the Paul L. Thompson Humanitarian Medal for his unyielding commitment to veterans as an innovative leader who has made Maryland the model for service delivery to veterans and truly represents the legacy of Paul. Thompson. He is the recipient of the Department of the District of Columbia, American Veterans’ (AMVETS) Americanism Award for his patriotism and service within the veterans’ community. Recently, for the school year 2011-12, he was inducted into Morgan State University’s ROTC Bear Battalion Hall of Fame recognizing his services to ROTC Alumni Chapter and the veteran community. As a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, with combat service in Vietnam (1967-68), he received numerous awards during his military service, including the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. As a public servant he retired from the US Department of Labor, where he managed a national investigative program.