US Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) of isn’t even a ham, but he got to work one of the most popular DXpeditions now on the air. The congressman spoke with K9W op Jerry Rosalius, WB9Z, on Wake Island from the Northbrook station of Wally Klinger, W9BEA — a member of the Northern Illinois DX Association.

The two met about a week ago in Schneider’s office, where Klinger had gone to express concerns regarding access to certain US islands to carry out DXpeditions. The Wake Island team ran into difficulties when the partial US government shutdown occurred just as the K9W team was supposed to fly on a US Air Force aircraft to Wake.

Klinger invited the first-term congressman to visit his station to speak with the radio amateurs at K9W. According to Klinger, Schneider “is aware of the issues that we have getting on US incorporated territories such as Navassa, Johnston, etc.” After Klinger made contact with K9W on 15 meters, Schneider took the mic and spoke with Rosalius “just like a pro,” Klinger said.

Later, Klinger displayed his QSL card collection, pointing out how the number of DXpeditions from US island territories such as Wake had dropped significantly over the past several years. As the congressman departed, Klinger gave him several recent copies of QST that highlighted DXing, Field Day and public service work. — The Daily DX