Veterans shocked at loss of advoacte, after being shot inside of her Linwood home

Lynda Weed ( lweed@nbc40.net) - 5/10/12 11:20 pm

 

LINWOOD -- Area veterans are mourning the loss of one of their biggest advocates after finding out the local radio talk show host and avid supporter of veterans' issues, was fatally shot in her own home.

47 year–old April Kauffman was no stranger to a number of charity organizations in our area, with local veterans holding a special place in her heart.

"I was shocked when I heard the news, I just couldn't believe it."

Area military members, past and present, are in disbelief at the news that veterans advocate April Kauffman had been murdered inside her own home on Woodstock Drive Thursday morning, in the quiet town of Linwood.

"It's shocking that somebody would do this."

A worker at Kauffman’s home discovered her body inside her bedroom around 11:30. According to authorities, she had been shot several times.

Now many local and national officials are reflecting on her selfless dedication to so many organizations that made her such an asset to the community.

"She did a lot of things that were visible in public, and she did a lot of things that many people did not know about. She decided to make our veteran heroes, our Americans, her priority." Said Congressman, Frank LoBiando.

Veterans say they were shocked to hear about the tragic news, and do not want to remember her through her death. But through all the great things she did to help them while she was alive.

"It will be a total loss. There isn't a number of people that could replace April for everything she does,” said President, Legion Riders Post 352, Dave Eastlack.

"She didn't just sit back and say that's too hard. We cant do that. She would just keep pushing forward till something could get accomplished,” said friend, Kerrie Kelly.

In addition to veteran’s affairs, Kauffman hosted a weekly radio show on WOND where she voiced her opinions on helping those who serve our country.

Those who knew her said Kauffman was never shy, and always had an opinion.

“You knew where you stood with her. She said it like it is, and if you didn't like it too bad. And she typically backed it up,” said local radio talk show host, Harry Hurley.
Veterans gathered at Mainland Regional High School where they lowered flags to half-staff, originally to honor a recently fallen soldier from Pennsylvania, but many say to them, it is also to remember Kauffman.

The veterans say she will be missed, but never forgotten.

"The black ribbon, I put it on in memory of April, and I will be wearing it forever,” said Eastlack.

Harry Hurley said a charity golf tournament will be held June 15th where $1,000 will be donated to the "Wounded Warrior" foundation in April’s name.

Meanwhile, authorities say no arrests have been made, and anyone with information on the homicide is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office major crimes unit at 609–909–7666.