In Fuzzy Dragon Wonders, Fuzzy and friends dream of becoming superheroes. When they discover that superheroes aren’t real, they are heartbroken. But instead of giving up, they go on an adventure to investigate other things they could be. Along the way, they uncover a powerful truth: SUPERHEROES ARE REAL when people choose jobs that help others. Few people embody that truth more completely than my lifelong family friend, Rusty Smithson.
Rusty and I have known each other since birth. We attended Central Baptist Church in Tarrant, Alabama, where his father served as Minister of Music. Our lives continued to intersect through faith, school, music, and friendship. We attended Tarrant High School together and played in the band side by side—Rusty on tuba and me on clarinet. In band, we learned early about teamwork, discipline, and supporting one another.
Education also became a shared thread in our lives. Rusty earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. I followed a parallel path, earning my undergraduate degree from UAB and my graduate degree from the University of Alabama. As fellow Alabama alumni, our connection is rooted not only in friendship but in shared community and lifelong learning.
Music, Service, and Discipline
In college, Rusty continued his musical journey as a member of the legendary University of Alabama Million Dollar Band, one of the most respected collegiate marching bands in the country. There, performing at games and events, he experienced firsthand how music builds pride, unity, and shared purpose—another meaningful way of helping others.
Service Through Music and Military Commitment
After college, music remained a cornerstone of Rusty’s life for many years. He played with the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra, contributing his talent to an exceptional music program that inspired and uplifted countless people before it was eventually shut down. Through music, Rusty helped others feel comforted, encouraged, and connected—another powerful way to help.
That same sense of service led Rusty to serve his country. The summer before our senior year of high school, he joined the Army National Guard. The summer after graduation, he attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) as a 31V Combat Communications Specialist. Rusty served honorably for six years before receiving an honorable discharge. This demonstrated commitment, discipline, and a willingness to serve something greater than himself.
A Firefighter: The Truest Form of a Superhero
Later in life, Rusty answered a calling to serve his community directly by becoming a firefighter for the City of Tuscaloosa. A firefighter’s career is completely and solely focused on helping others—often during the most frightening and difficult moments of their lives. Indeed, firefighters respond without hesitation, placing themselves in harm’s way to make the world a better place. That is why they truly embody the term superhero.
In Fuzzy Dragon Wonders, Fuzzy ultimately realizes that superheroes don’t wear capes. Some wear turnout gear. They carry instruments. They serve their communities. Through music, military service, and firefighting, Rusty Smithson shows children that superheroes are real—and that choosing to help others is the greatest superpower of all.
Thank you, Rusty, for all you do—personally and professionally—to make the world a better place.
