Stand-alone Server Setup… HELP!

Hi guys!
Am I at the right path of setting up a stand-alone server which will be a Web, FTP & POP3/SMTP server located in the US? The server will also be configured as a VPN server, for the purpose of having a US-based IP address once I get connected to the VPN and try to access secure web/ftp sites? Does it require two NICs as a stand-alone server?
I am also planning to run Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition on that machine, while I use Windows XP Pro as client OS.
Previously, I have tried using anonymous surfing tools but it didn’t work.
I would appreciate if you will suggest some solutions I could learn and try.
Thanks and Happy Holidays.