Ray aivazian III
Founder, SEED (Stimulating Education and Ecological Design | Honolulu, Hawaii
Ray Aivazian III served eight years in the Marines as a combat engineer (2009–2017) and was deployed to Afghanistan’s Helmand province in the Sangin District, one of the most violent sections of the country. His work involved fighting insurgents, building and destroying infrastructure, setting explosives, route clearance, and cutting trees and destroying other vegetation to create obstacles for the enemy. It also involved using flamethrowers to burn opium poppy crops. Later he would reflect on the unfortunate environmental impact of the critical work.
“My job in the military wasn’t anything close to being environmentally friendly,” he said.
Aivazian’s time in the Marine Corps instilled in him a strong sense of purpose, which he later channelled into environmental conservation after being reassigned to Hawaii. He began spending more time in nature and became increasingly concerned about the health of the ocean and habitat destruction. He loved the Marines but found a new sense of purpose in his developing passion for the environment.
After retiring from the Marines in 2017, Aivazian studied environmental science at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, focusing on synthetic marine debris removal. He became actively involved in local conservation efforts, serving as chair of the Surfrider Foundation’s Oahu Chapter, where he led initiatives to protect Hawaii’s coastlines and raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and coastal erosion.
In 2018, he founded SEED (Stimulating Education and Ecological Design), a nonprofit organization developing innovative cleanup technology and educational programs for local schools and communities. One of SEED’s key projects involves designing buoyancy separation devices to efficiently remove microplastics from beaches, a technique Aivazian invented with his engineering background. Aivazian also collaborates with Hawaii Pacific University’s Center for Marine Debris Research, applying scientific methods to track and analyze microplastic accumulation along Oahu’s shores.
Through SEED, public advocacy, and hands-on conservation efforts, Aivazian continues to inspire environmental action, using education and technology to address one of Hawaii’s most pressing ecological challenges.
Ronald H. Schaedel sr.
State National Councilmember, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Hawaii | Kapolei, Hawaii
Ronald H. Schaedel Sr. dedicated 27 years to the United States Marine Corps (1966–1993), serving in both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm/Shield. As a combat veteran, he earned numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation Medal (2), and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, reflecting his unwavering service and sacrifice. His final Marine Corps assignment was with Marine Aircraft Group 24 before retiring in 1993.
A committed advocate for veterans, Schaedel became a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1987 and has since held leadership positions at both the Post and Department levels. In 2024, he was elected State National Councilmember of the VFW Department of Hawaii, continuing his lifelong dedication to supporting and representing fellow service members.
Beyond his Marine Corps and VFW service, Schaedel pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. After retiring from the city and county of Honolulu, he remained deeply involved in numerous community organizations.
Schaedel and his wife, Homelani, reside in Kapolei, Hawaii, where he continues to uphold his commitment to serving veterans and his community. His story is featured in PBS Hawaii’s "Honoring Our Veterans" series, where he shares insights into his service and advocacy.