Marine deploys to Iraq, puts dream on hold

Courtesy Photo | Lance Cpl. Sean E. Varriale throws a devastating blow to an opponent during a cage fighting match in New Jersey. Varriale is currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and plans to get back into training in hopes of achieving his dream of becoming a professional mixed martial arts fighter.  

IRAQ

03.08.2008

Courtesy Story

I Marine Expeditionary Force

By Pfc. Jerry Murphy
Regimental Combat Team 1

HABBANIYAH, Iraq – Sacrifices are made when preparing to deploy, such as family, friends or possibly the ultimate sacrifice. When a reserve battalion is activated, the Marines are required to put their entire lives on hold. Not only do they sacrifice being away from family, friends and jobs, some of them even put their dreams on hold.

One Marine attached to 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, put his dreams on hold to fight for the freedoms Americans enjoy on a daily basis.

Lance Cpl. Sean E. Varriale, a radio operator with Headquarters and Service Company, was, before being activated to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, training to get a shot at turning professional as a mixed martial arts fighter and a chance to try out for and compete on the popular television show 'Ultimate Fighter.'

"My goal going through training was to be a professional fighter, make it to on the show and eventually make it to the Ultimate Fighting Championship," said the 27-year-old from Old Bridge, N.J. "My training partner, Chris Finnelli just made the Ultimate Fighter for the upcoming season and I feel like I have a chance to make it as well, because of my attitude, heart, will and drive."

Varriale volunteered to deploy to Iraq and was individually selected to augment to 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, putting his chance to make the show and turn pro on hold, but he said he has no regrets.

"I love fighting and I love the Marine Corps; I don't regret volunteering to come out here at all," Varriale said. "Even though I'm not training at home, we've put together a bunch of great guys that want to train and learn (martial arts). So now, I'm right back at it, teaching MMA and getting to train along side the Marines."

Varriale began learning boxing and mixed martial arts at the age of five, learning from his father.

"My dad taught me never to fear anyone and most of all, to take the edge and never let anyone get the upper hand," he said. "My dad was a huge influence on me."

Throughout the years, he continued to train in MMA and eventually joined the New Jersey International Martial Arts and Boxing Team, where he sharpened his skills in several different styles of martial arts, including; mauy tai, Brazilian jui jitsu, boxing, submission grappling, eskrima and jeet kun do.

"I started with the team when I was 23, and my coach, Jerry Fatjo, said that I wasn't ready to start cage fighting until after two years with the team," said Varriale, who graduated from Old Bridge High School in 1998. "Fatjo has coached me since I joined the team and has become like a second father to me."

When asked how his coach felt about him volunteering to deploy to Iraq, Varriale said his coach was very worried but also said that he is was very supportive.

Varriale will get back into training as soon as he returns home from his deployment and said that if he does not stay in shape while he is in Iraq, his coaches will 'enjoy' getting him back into shape.

Varriale recognized his coaches Jerry Fatjo, Eric Colon, Chris "Oldness" and Fernando Sarmento Jr. or "Cabeza," and his teammates saying, "I would like to wish all my teammates good luck in their upcoming fights and will be home soon to train with them."

• Date Taken: 03.08.2008
• Date Posted: 03.14.2008 14:55
• Story ID: 17373
• Location: IQ