United States of America

Bayer Hawaii Honored for Supporting Veterans and Local Families

Waianae Garden Celebration

Bayer Hawaii has been awarded the prestigious “Salute to Service” Award by U.S.VETS Hawaii, recognizing the company’s exceptional contributions to veterans and local families across the state.  

 

The honor highlights Bayer’s long-standing and impactful partnership with U.S.VETS, including sponsorship of multiple events in 2025 supporting the organization’s mission statewide, as well as extensive hands-on work in the Waianae community.  

 

“We are deeply grateful for Bayer Hawaii's steadfast commitment to our veterans and their families,” said Tamah-Lani Noh, Program Director, U.S.VETS Barber’s Point. “Their generous support for our mission across the state, and their impactful, hands-on work demonstrates a true partnership. This dedication helps us ensure that no veteran or local family is left behind, and we are honored to present them with the Salute to Service Award this year.”  

Bayer Hawaii receives Salute to Service award
Nicole Pelzel of Bayer Hawaii (center) accepts the U.S.VETS Salute to Service Award from Tanya Brown (left) and Tamah-Lani Noh, Program Director (right), of U.S.VETS.

Beyond event sponsorship, Bayer Hawaii has consistently supported U.S.VETS initiatives, including sponsoring Steps for Vets and the Annual No Vet Left Behind Golf Tournament. The company also regularly hosts U.S.VETS leaders on its Sustaining Hawaii radio show to discuss their vital programs.

Sustaining Hawaii USVETS
"Sustaining Hawaii" host Rick Hamada interviews Tatsu Sasaki (U.S.VETS), Tamah-Lani Noh (U.S.VETS), and Nicole Pelzel (Bayer Hawaii) in the studio.

The U.S.VETS Waianae Civic Center is unique in serving both veteran and civilian families. In January 2025, U.S.VETS expanded its services by opening Kulia I Ka Nuu, a second shelter in Waianae. Bayer Hawaii supported this new facility, which provides emergency beds and apartments for families, by donating office furniture, electronics, and other essential items. Bayer also held employee clothes drives, collecting essential items for both the Barber's Point and Waianae sites.  

Kulia I Ka Nuu Donations
Kulia I Ka Nuu Donations

"Seeds of Hope" Community Garden  

 

One of Bayer’s most recognized contributions is its leadership in creating a community garden at the U.S.VETS Waianae Civic Center. This “Seeds of Hope” initiative broke ground on March 10, 2025, benefiting nearly 200 individuals served by the center.  

 

The garden was a collaborative effort between Bayer Hawaii, U.S.VETS Waianae, and Seminis - Vegetables by Bayer and Home Depot. Bayer employees contributed over 450 volunteer hours to complete the project, which features nine planter boxes, 24 tons of gravel, 10 tons of soil, and a new irrigation system.  

 

Seminis donated over 15 varieties of vegetable seeds, including sweet peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and broccoli, while Bayer provided expertise on growing the crops and assisted with the irrigation system.  
 

“This project is a perfect example of how the power of Seminis seeds and Bayer expertise can come together to make a real difference in a community,” said Jeanmarie Harty, Seminis West Agronomy Lead, who helped coordinate the donation. “We are so proud to contribute to a garden that offers both fresh food and a healing space.”     Click to watch the KITV-4 story on the blessing.

Tanya Brown, Executive Director of U.S.VETS Waianae, praised the hands-on support. “Bayer’s partnership is invaluable. The ‘Seeds of Hope’ garden is more than just a source of fresh vegetables for our veterans and families—it's a source of pride, education, and community bonding.”  

“This garden is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Nicole Pelzel, Operations Associate at Bayer Hawaii. “We are honored to receive the ‘Salute to Service’ Award and proud to support veterans and families in Hawaii.”  

The “Salute to Service” Award underscores Bayer Hawaii’s comprehensive commitment to supporting the mission of U.S.VETS, providing critical resources to veterans and local families across the state of Hawaii.