By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Being based in Afghanistan thousands of miles away from home hasn't kept Sgt. Joseph (Joey) Schutt of Hartselle from showing his colors as a University of Alabama football fan.
After the Crimson Tide's win over Florida, Schutt got permission from his commanding officer to fly an "Alabama" flag alongside United States and Afghanistan flags in front of his unit's headquarters building.
It remained up at full staff through Sunday, the day after the big SEC battle.
Schutt is the husband of Crystal Schutt and the son of Gary and Valerie Schutt, all of Hartselle.
"He really got a big kick out of showing how proud he is of the Alabama football team," said his father, "especially after taking a lot of pre-game ribbing from some of his buddiess whose loyalties are with teams from other states, including Florida."
Where did the "Alabama" flag come from?
"It's his personal flag," the elder Schutt said. "It's as much a part of him as his combat boots. He carries it with him everywhere he goes."
Sgt. Schutt is a U.S. Army reservist attached to the 391st HHC EN BN. He is stationed at Bagram Air Base and has been on active duty in Afghanistan since April 2005. His unit is engaged in helping to rebuild the war-torn country's infrastructure.
He is scheduled to arrive home for a two-week R&R furlough Nov. 15.