Former Weyburn resident Private Evan Kimber has just left for a six-month mission in Afghanistan, and will return in September.

Private Kimber, the son of Allan and Wendy Kimber of Weyburn, is a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based out of Edmonton. He has been training with them since June and attaining course to allow him to serve on the mission in Afghanistan.

Kimber joined the Canadian Armed Forces in October of 2006. He received his basic military qualification course in St. Richilieu, Que., where he received the Commandant's Trophy. This trophy is presented to the candidate who finishes at the top of his class and demonstrates the most desirable qualities in a career service member.

From St. Richilieu, he went to Wainwright, Alta., where he received his Basic Infrantryman Training Course, which he completed in June of 2007. After this training, he went on to Edmonton to join the 1PPLCI.

Evan attended St. Dominic Savio, St. Michael Junior High and graduated from the Weyburn Comprehensive School in 2004; he has two sisters, Christie and Alyssa. He was on many local sports teams while growing up, including baseball, hockey and football.