When you hear the words “road warrriors,” what comes to mind? A young Mel Gibson perhaps, doing battle in a post-apocalyptic world, or Nascar drivers burning rubber at Talledega? Do you envision a convoy of 18 wheelers rolling down a ribbon of highway?

When I think of road warriors I am reminded of the hard-working men and women up before dawn who are busy fueling, washing and checking out their “mighty machines.”

Safety is top priority because it’s their job to provide safe passage of very “precious cargo” -- the children of Fountain Hills! They are school bus drivers.

I work at McDowell Mountain Elementary School and am honored to call one of these faithful “road warriors,” Sandy Guiney, my friend.

Over the years I have witnessed how kind, caring and compassionate she and her fellow drivers are. They are diligent in their duties and keep a vigilant watch over the children and roads of Fountain Hills.

Thank you Sandy, Barb, Dave, Angelo, Lou, Barry, Christine, Vince, Larry, Chad, Jim, and Jeff! You are all '”Road Warrior'” champions!