And that is why he'll be heading with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment to join Canada's troops in Kandahar this Friday.

The 22-year-old corporal paused amidst his goodbyes Monday afternoon to spend some time talking to The News about his motivations.

For the most part, the Beamsville District Secondary School grad was excited to have a chance to live history.

"History is a dying breed," he said matter-of-factly. "But ever since high school, I was big into history, especially of the Second World War. Now, I'll be experiencing history one day at a time."

Neufeld said all through his life, he's been transfixed by the stories told by war veterans and others.

His love for history, coupled with the vivid experiences he will have on his six- to eight-month tour, makes him a "perfect candidate" to become a museum curator upon his return home.

Neufeld said he hopes to take the appropriate courses at Fleming College after his tour with the armed forces. "By that time, I'll have seen it, lived it, and experienced it," he said.

While in Kandahar, Neufeld and 12 other members of the Lincs and Winks will join the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, completing a variety of duties.

The rifleman said there is a possibility he will see action.

The long-time Jordan resident who now resides in west St. Catharines has been training in Petawawa for 18 months and will be one of the youngest Niagara men to join the troops in Afghanistan.

His excitement to help the Afghan people achieve self-sustainability was obvious.

"I just want to give people an opportunity to have what we have," he said. "I didn't join the army just to say I was in the army. I want to make a difference."

His military career began as a Grade 12 co-op at the Lake Street armoury in St. Catharines. He spent his last semester of BDSS completing political studies and physical training. After school, he went to Meaford for his initial infantry course, after which he says his "heart was set."

Neufeld is the youngest son of Tim and Dianne Neufeld, and is close siblings with Will and Jodi Thompson, Stephanie Neufeld and Joel Neufeld. Along with his family, his girlfriend of six months, Stephanie Coulas, will be rooting him on from home.

Neufeld had one simple request for all Niagarans, while he and his regiment are overseas.

"Keep everyone in your hearts and prayers," he said.