B. F. “Frank” Jennings (USN RET) 1926-2014 REACT International, Inc., regrets to announce the passing of Benjamin Francis “Frank” Jennings, RI Life Member 20, at approximately 5 p.m., Monday, 13 January 2014, at the Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. Born 9 September 1926, Frank was 87 years old. Frank was retired from the US Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He originally enlisted in the Navy in 1943, was commissioned in 1960 through the Navy’s limited duty officer program, and retired in 1973. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and received numerous awards and decorations throughout his career. In 2012, Frank participated in the Honor Flight program which takes WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II memorial. His son Mike Jennings accompanied him. While there, they had the opportunity to have a photo-op with Elizabeth Dole and her husband, Robert Dole (himself a wounded veteran of WWII). Ms. Dole and Frank had previously met at a REACT Convention when she was Secretary of Transportation. Ms. Dole also served as Secretary of Labor, President of the American Red Cross, and US Senator (R- N.C.). Mr. Dole was also a US Senator (R-Kans.), as well as a candidate for Vice President two times and a candidate for President once. Frank developed his first interest in radio communications in 1947, while stationed on Saipan in the Pacific. He had heard of an amateur radio operator who was able to use radio to span the Pacific, and then with the use of long distance telephone, allow servicemen to talk to their families. He convinced the command’s chief radio petty officer to allow use of the radio facilities for this purpose. With the approval of the commanding officer, both Army and Navy units contributed to the expansion of the facilities, and soldiers and sailors from local units began to take interest and participate in the program. Later the Armed Forces developed the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) worldwide, perhaps as a result of the program in Saipan. Frank was a licensed amateur radio operator (K7LTR, Technician) and was licensed in the General Mobile Radio Service (KAD9560). He was active in several REACT Teams over the years, and was a member of Rainier Radio REACT at the time of his death. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of REACT International from 2000 to 2003 and was a Director from 1999 to 2008. He also served for many years as the Chairman of the Life Membership Committee for REACT International. He was instrumental in the 1998 reorganization of REACT International, serving on several committees which designed and implemented the new plan of governance. For his accomplishments, Frank was awarded the Eugene Goebel Award (REACT International’s highest award) at the 2003 Convention in Evansville, Ind. He continued to serve REACT International until his death, attending the Annual Meetings of the Board of Directors each year, as well as Special Called electronic meetings, and advising the President on day-to-day matters. Frank was predeceased by wives Florence and Lynn and is survived by three sons, Ben, Mike (Annie), and Doug (Caryn), five grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren. His ashes will be laid to rest between his two wives. A memorial service will possibly be held at a later date in the spring, according to the family. An announcement will be made when a time and place have been established. In the meantime, the family has asked that any contributions in Frank’s memory be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital as he was a long- time member of the Shriners. REACT International wishes Frank fair winds and following seas. Download a full pdf version of this announcement at reactintl.org/public/pubs/Releases/BF_Jennings_Announcement.pdf
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:41:49 +0000
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