Carl D. Kilhoffer has been an attending member of the Council since the late 1990’s. He subsequently became a Board Member and contributes as a member of the Executive Committee.
He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1960. Upon graduation from the University of Baltimore, he was commissioned as an Officer in the US Navy Reserve. Following service in Vietnam in 1967-1968, and 1969. Carl retired as a Navy Captain from the Naval Reserve in 1994.
His civilian career commenced from active military service in 1978, with employment at American Standard as Plant Manager of Financial Services facility in Jacksonville, FL. Subsequent responsibilities included District and Regional Management of over two dozen facilities in the Eastern United States.
He partnered with a fellow business associate to found a Direct to Consumer Bank check Printing Company in 1992. Retired in 2006, he has continued to make his home in Harford County.
A Master’s in Environmental Management has stimulated his interest in Conservation through “consumptive value”. Additionally, dedication to the Shooting Sports and Big Game hunting in Africa and South America plus high-volume competitive shooting has captured his interests.
Civic Involvement:
Mr. Kilhoffer is active with his two adult children and four grandchildren.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
