This year's Fifth Annual Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser sponsored by the Major Jason E. George VFW Post 12114, initiated by Pat and Alex Athans on behalf of their daughter, Christina, was a great success. Total funds raised this year was $15,307, coming from donations, the silent auction, which was comprised of over 50 items, and 50/50 tickets sold at the dinner. In the last five years the Major Jason E. George VFW 12114 has donated 100 percent of all proceeds of the fundraisers to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan). These donations have amounted to $50,356. PanCan has marveled at what an amazingly charitable town Tehachapi is.

The American Legion Auxiliary prepared a delicious spaghetti dinner, as they have for the past four years, which was served by volunteer students from Heritage Oak School. A Tehachapi High School student also very generously donated his time to sell 50/50 tickets.

During the evening, the VFW presented to Rick and Donna Zanutto a special handmade flag stand, complete with a U.S. flag, U.S. Marine Corps. flag, and a dove with the name of their fallen son, Adam Zanutto, written on it. Zanutto was a Marine who gave all for our Country in the Middle East armed conflicts. The dove came from the 2018 Christmas Candlelight Ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale where Christina is interred.

The Athans and the Major Jason E. George VFW want to give heartfelt thanks to all of their generous sponsors, many of whom have consistently donated every year: Access Realty, Advance Property Management, American Legion Post 221, Anne and Jerry Mulkins, Aquarius Casino Resort Hotels, Ashmore Motors, Big Papa's Steak House, Bill and Beverly Gallagher, Bill and Bonnie Taggart, Blacksmith Automotive, Blanca Macris, Bob Bonstead, Bumpy Worthington, Canine Creek, Carlos' Donuts, Chop Shop – Amanda and Ehmrie, Creative Office of Tehachapi, D. Barber, D. Donati, D. Johnson, David Arriola, David and Maria Klesmith, Don Perico's Mexican Restaurant, Beverly Billingsley, DVM, Dr. Craig Luther, Dr. Heather Hento, Dr. Kim Horowitz, Dr. Sandhu, Fabricare Cleaners, Four Seasons Property Management, George Kallin, Guadalupe Sanchez, Gus Montoya, Ty Long, Walmart, Mary Hanson, Sylvia Carson, Anita Suazo, Larry and Sue Hoose, Helmut and Jamey Schmidt, Jack and Florence Fowler, Jake's Steak House, Jameson Specialties, Jerry and Liz Eberle, Jim and Marie Donovan, John Christopher, Johnett Latone, John and Margo Petros, Jerry and Judy Saville, K and R Valve, Ken Kendall, Kohnen's Country Bakery, Larry Cantrell, Lauralee Morgan, Linda Navarro, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Paula Leonard, Petra Mediterranean Restaurant, Peter and Jeannie Etchamendy, Red Carpet Grooming, Rick and Sandy Ploetz, Russell and Lore Slover, Ryan Chappell, Sail Thru Car Wash, Sally Geer, Southern Shooters Supply, Sue Chandler, the Athans Family, The Tire Store, Time Out Sports Bar and Grill, Tony and Larry Holweger, Tractor Supply Co., VFW 12114 Members, Webster Interiors, Dr. Mohammad Kamgar, Anthony Snowm Daryl and Jackie Black, VFW Post 7888.