In all fields, there are those who stand out, even among the outstanding. Trucker Buddy Bill McNamee, West Frankfort, Ill., and his class' teacher, Mary "Mel" Fox of the Charles Quentin Elementary School, Palatine, Ill., are two of the best when it comes to creativity.

They were featured last year in a Road King article because of their innovative programs, such as Bill's co-driver, a toy stuffed mouse named "Seat Belt Sam." Sam closes letters to his class with, "Remember, always wear your seatbelt." Their dedication, enthusiasm and creativity were recognized last year when they were elected to the Trucker Buddy Board of Directors.

This year, "Mr. Bill" arranged a field trip to educate the class on truck safety, life on the road and respect for law enforcement. The Illinois-Wisconsin line at I-94 is only about a 90-minute school bus ride from the school. The Russell Road TA is less than a mile from the Wisconsin inspection station.

The scales were closed for safety while the children were there. McNamee pulled his Jevic tractor-trailer onto the platforms before the school bus arrived. The students and chaperoning parents got to see how the separate axle weights were measured.

McNamee then drove his rig to an inspection lane. The students stayed behind the lane lines, while Inspector Junar Schutz, Kenosha, Wis., took them around the truck. He explained what he looks for and why it is important for safety. Before leaving, the class was weighed on the scales, with and without the school bus.

Then they went to the TA, where General Manager Karen Mathews and her staff gave them the red-carpet treatment. In the repair shop, Shop Manager Howard Livingston showed them the pit where oil changes and minor repairs were done. They watched as a tech mounted and inflated a set of tires.

Henry Spates, the restaurant manager, took them through the kitchen, then they looked at all the truck-specific products sold in the store. Restaurant Lead Misty Schaeffer made sure no one went hungry during lunch at the Pizza Hut in the food court. Then Fox's class got back on the bus and returned to school with a greater understanding of how trucks must be maintained and checked for safety, and how a trucker depends on truckstops.

For more info, or to join the 135,000 Trucker Buddies across the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free, 1-800-MY BUDDY.