28 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE Stand Up and Bee Heard Founder is Heading East YM/PFC Ryan Warren is no longer the slight, shy little kid who suf- fered the effects of bullying and intimidation. Ryan, 11, earned his private first class pin, or “skee- ter wings,” in his Young Marines outfit by passing a series of re- quirements that included three presentations. He has grown, ma- tured and gained confidence not only by being active in the Young Marines but by spearheading and operating an organization (with mom Sheila Warren) to help prevent others from experi- encing what happened to him in years past. That organization, Stand Up and Bee Heard, has become a reg- ular at events in Sanger, offering games, friendship and advice to bring attention to and combat bullying in all forms. Ryan and Sheila call their booth a “Bully Free Zone,” and their catch- phrase is “Stop Bullying Now.” Their efforts enable others to find information on recreational activities and ways to counter bullying. While Ryan continues to battle his shyness during public speaking duties at the Sanger, CA Community Task Force where he’s a frequent guest, he has been tenacious about furthering his quest to help others who may feel they don’t have a voice. But Ryan and Sheila have moved away. They moved to the opposite coast at the end of January in order to be nearer to Ryan’s older brother An- drew, a Marine vet- eran who will be undergoing surgery to remove a tumor on his spine.“We’re go- ing there because he’s going to be in the hospital,” Sheila said. She wants to be closer to her son’s family to provide support and also because they as a family had contemplated a move to eastern North Carolina for some time. While that means moving from the house where the fam- ily has lived the past 24 years. It’s just across the street from Washington Academic Middle School, where Ryan attended classes. Also leaving are dad Mike and sister Miranda, 21, whose boyfriend, Michael Cervantes, (another Marine) is also making the move. Ryan said he loves it out in North Carolina. He said he will miss Sanger,“but I miss my brother.” Ryan will join a Young Marines unit in the state. That makes it easy”, Shiela said. Ryan vowed to bring his anti-bullying organization with him, continuing the work he’s accomplished in Sanger in his new community.“I’m not giving it up,” he said. In fact, he and Sheila also have been communicating with a boy and his mother in Wyoming interested in establishing a chapter in their commu- nity.Sheila said she will continue to work on a start-up instruc- tional packet for prospective Stand Up and Bee Heard orga- nizers. In the meantime, the organization will be continued in Sanger by other volunteers. Pastor Sam Estes, city advance director of Communities INC and facilitator of the task force, said this about Ryan: “Ryan had an idea that was sparked through his own experience of being bullied at school. He knew something had to be done. When he came to the Sanger Community Task Force he shared his vision of wanting to get wristbands and other ways to com- municate — Stand Up and Bee Heard was launched. Over the last couple of years,we have watched with joy the growth Ryan has displayed.” J.D. Bennett, unit commander of the Young Marines in Sanger, said Ryan can also be credited with helping start the chapter. “I met Ryan about 2 1/2 years ago when he started his bullying program,” Bennett wrote in an email. “He had a driving desire to spread the word about bullying. “My grandsons had been in the Young Marines program in Southern California, the Chino Hills Chapter. Ryan and his Mother asked me if I would start a chapter in Sanger. Being actively involved in veterans advocate work, I did not believe I had the time to dedicate to the program. But Ryan was persis- tent, so I started the Sanger Young Marines. “Ryan soon became, Young Marine Private Warren. His persis- tence and dedication recently paid off as he has been promot- ed to private first class with lance corporal looking in the near future. “The Sanger Young Marines said our goodbyes to YM/PFC Ryan Warren at our fourth Monday training. We wish Ryan all the best, and Commander Bennett gives you a final ‘Salute!’” -- Information for this story was provided first published in an article by Mike Nemeth, Sanger Herald, Sanger, CA