Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams

REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams), began as a CB radio Channel 9 radio monitoring organization in the United States in 1962. The initial primary goal was to monitor Channel 9, the CB Emergency Channel, to help assist motorists. Duties now include providing communications after disasters (tornadoes, floods,...), in some places before the disaster (storm spotting) and during public service events such as parades, runs/walks and other events. Although some still use CB, a large percentage of REACT volunteers now use amateur, FRS, GMRS, Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS), and Business band radios in their public assistance work.

Mission Statement
We will provide public service communications to individuals, organizations, and government agencies to save lives, prevent injuries, and give assistance wherever and whenever needed. We will strive to establish a monitoring network of trained volunteer citizen-based communicators using any and all available means to deliver the message.

Objectives

 * 1) To assist in any emergency by furnishing radio communications in cooperation with authorities and other volunteer organizations.
 * 2) To practice and encourage operating excellence through skilled communications techniques.
 * 3) To maintain equipment at peak efficiency and operate in accordance with all government regulations.
 * 4) To advise the public on correct, effective use of CB Emergency Channel 9.

History of REACT
On January 23, 1962, REACT's founder, Henry B. "Pete" Kreer, convinced Hallicrafters Company to sponsor the REACT program. The initial requirements for a Team was three members who agreed to monitor hours for CB emergencies and the first REACT colors were red and black. There were no dues or other requirements except to comply with federal and state regulations.

By 1964, it was determined that there was a need for a National CB Emergency Channel. REACT National Headquarters asked all REACT Teams to monitor the channel as a voluntary emergency channel. REACT was up to 800 Teams at this time.

In 1967, REACT led a movement to convince the FCC to designate channel 9 as the CB emergency channel.

In 1969, General Motors Research Labs assumed sponsorship of REACT and in the same year Jerry Reese came to REACT as Managing Director with Henry B. Kreer remaining with the title of Executive Director.

From 1970 to 1972, the Ohio REACT Emergency Network was formed, the same date that channel 9 became an official emergency channel under FCC rules. This network issued several reports to state and federal agencies to show the relationship between REACT and channel 9 as the emergency channel. This led to the later formation of the Ohio State REACT Council as a pattern for future Councils. REACT colors were changed to orange and black. The Red Cross agreement was reached and "Where Seconds Count" was produced. Dues were $1.00 per member with a $5.00 charter fee. All teams - new and existing - were issued a charter number. Teams chartered in 1970 are charter teams and designated with a "C" front of their numbers.

On April 24, 1973, NBC's Today Show televised an interview with Gerald Reese and Henry Kreer. Their talk about the REACT program over 220 affiliated stations created over 500 inquiries about the REACT program.

In 1975, REACT broke from GM and started as an independent organization. REACT International received not-for-profit status in Illinois.

REACT Conventions

 * 1976 Deerfield, Illinois
 * 1977 Irving, Texas
 * 1978 Berea, Ohio
 * 1979 Beaver, Pennsylvania
 * 1980 Atlanta, Georgia
 * 1981 Indianapolis, Indiana
 * 1982 Las Vegas, Nevada
 * 1983 Wichita, Kansas
 * 1984 Daytona Beach, Florida
 * 1985 Chicago, Illinois
 * 1986 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
 * 1987 San Antonio, Texas
 * 1988 Roanoke, Virginia
 * 1989 Madison, Wisconsin
 * 1990 Spokane, Washington
 * 1991 Melbourne, Florida
 * 1992 Anderson, Indiana
 * 1993 San Diego, California
 * 1994 Somerset, New Jersey
 * 1995 Omaha, Nebraska
 * 1996 Silverdale, Washington
 * 1997 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
 * 1998 Janesville, Wisconsin
 * 1999 Grand Island, Nebraska
 * 2000 Kissimmee, Florida
 * 2001 Trinidad and Tobago
 * 2002 Des Moines, Iowa
 * 2003 Evansville, Indiana
 * 2005 Corona, California