Wednesday, November 23, 2016

The Combat Stress Recovery Program at Wounded Warrior Project


Colton Amster, the owner of Redline Restorations in Bridgeport, Connecticut, oversees automotive-restoration operations, including body work and inventory. Outside of his work with Redline Restorations, Colton Amster supports the efforts of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Dedicated to assisting injured service members once they return home, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) offers a number of resources for veterans coping with combat stress. Through its Combat Stress Recovery Program (CSRP), WWP provides specialty services for veterans expressing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to improving access to care, WWP works hard to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, especially among the veteran population.

The Wounded Warrior Project sponsors an initiative known as Project Odyssey, a five-day retreat in outdoor locations across the country. Participants meet other veterans to work through their combat stress, engaging in activities such as fishing, whitewater rafting, sled hockey, skiing, and more. 

To learn more about Project Odyssey and other combat-stress-related programs at WWP, visit the official website at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Wounded Warrior's Soldier Ride Program



Colton Amster is an expert in the field of automotive restoration. The owner of Redline Restorations, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Colton Amster has supported a variety of charitable organizations through activities such as providing a special ride for a local veteran through the Wounded Warrior program.

Wounded Warrior is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance and aid to mentally or physically injured veterans. The organization was founded in 2003 by a small group of veterans and interested individuals in Roanoke, Virginia, who recognized the need for greater services to injured veterans in the country, and has since grown to offer services throughout the entire United States.

The organization has a multitude of programs that focus on the mind, body, capabilities, and reintegration of veterans into society, so as to encompass all the struggles these individuals may face. One such program, designed for treatment of the body, is called Soldier Ride. This program consists of a four-day cycling event for veterans at any fitness level. It is designed to encourage and increase physical activity while creating a community of support and engagement with fellow veterans. Soldier Ride also works to empower participants with new levels of confidence and self-esteem.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Redline Restorations Takes Special Trip to Walter Reed


An experienced automotive restoration professional who has worked on numerous award-winning classic cars, Colton Amster has owned and operated Redline Restorations for 13 years. Under Colton Amster’s management, Redline has been involved with multiple philanthropic initiatives. In addition to making financial contributions to various charities, the organization has undertaken informal volunteer projects such as making a trip to visit wounded US veteran Casey Jones at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

While serving as an explosive ordnance disposal operator in war-torn Afghanistan, Casey Jones lost both legs and multiple fingers to an improvised explosive device. Mr. Jones was recovering and rehabilitating at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland, when his friend Mike Elliot sent out a special request on the website of a Hemi Cuda owners' club.

Mr. Elliot asked if anyone on the site would be willing to bring his or her Hemi Cuda (a Plymouth Barracuda) to Walter Reed to take Mr. Jones for a surprise joyride. Redline Restorations felt honored to seize this opportunity to reach out to a hero who sacrificed so much for his country. Redline made the trip with one of its clients who happened to own a Hemi Cuda, fulfilling Mr. Elliot’s request and brightening Mr. Jones’ day.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Casey Jones and His Ride on the Hemi ‘Cuda


Colton Amster is the owner and operator of Redline Restorations, an automotive restoration facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut. With the help of his business, Colton Amster grants special requests for Make-A-Wish America and Wounded Warrior Project. He also honors some personal requests that do not come through established charitable organizations.

Casey Jones is a former explosive ordinance disposal operator. He was stationed in Afghanistan, where he lost both his legs and multiple fingers to an improvised explosive device. After this event, he traveled to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment and rehabilitation.

Mike Elliot, a friend of Mr. Jones’, posted a request on a Hemi ‘Cuda owners’ club website. He asked if any of the car owners would be willing to visit Bethesda, Maryland, to take Mr. Jones for a ride. Redline Restorations took the offer and contacted one of its clients, who owned a Hemi ‘Cuda. The owner of the Hemi ‘Cuda, also named Mike, agreed to Mr. Elliot’s request and insisted on being there to surprise Mr. Jones with the Redline Restorations team.

“Hemi ‘Cuda” is a popular term reserved for the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. Plymouth only produced 652 units--14 of which were rare convertibles--because the cost to build one exceeded the regular purchase price at the time of production. With its classic shape, limited production, and extreme popularity, the 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda can cost as much as $600,000 to $800,000.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

REACH at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center


Colton Amster oversees the restoration of cars like Maseratis, Ferraris, and Bugattis as the owner of Redline Restorations in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Also active in the community, Colton Amster supports organizations like the
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center is among the best of the nation’s hospitals for children. It offers world-class health care while focusing on research, education, and patient advocacy.

The medical center is home to Resident Education in Advocacy and Community Health, or REACH, which helps University of Connecticut Pediatric Residency Advocacy Program students gain experience in policy, education, and advocacy as they relate to pediatric patients.

REACH participants work with community health experts over the course of the three-year program. They also complete either a community health project or mini-fellowship in health care policy as part of the program. These requirements give the next generation of pediatricians a firm foundation in the issues that will impact their patients for years to come.