[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 175 (Monday, December 17, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S13352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CUBA WADLINGTON, JR.

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay respect to 
a great man who was also a great builder: a builder of pipelines, a 
builder of communities and a builder of dreams. Cuba Wadlington, Jr., 
president of Williams Gas Pipeline, died on Sunday, December 9, in 
Tulsa, OK. He was the quintessential pipeline executive. Over the last 
two decades, there was no one more driven to conceive and build 
interstate natural gas pipeline projects. The Kern River pipeline, his 
first, was the longest pipeline built in the 1990's and was the first 
interstate pipeline to be built into California. His vision also 
produced Gulfstream pipeline, the first line to connect Alabama and 
Florida by laying pipe on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. These 
projects are a part of the 28,000 miles gas pipeline system that is 
Williams'. Those who know Cuba also know that he had a passion for 
Alaska and his early and current work were focused on building a 
pipeline to bring natural gas from Alaska to the lower 48 States.
  However, Cuba had more than just a passion to bring new sources of 
gas supply to new customers in new States. He had compassion to build 
up people and the communities in which they lived. Most recently, he 
worked to raise $30 million for the United Way. A passionate golfer, 
Cuba was seen nationwide as he appeared in a television commercial with 
Tiger Woods championing the Woods Foundation through the Williams World 
Challenge, a PGA golf tournament raising money for children. He was 
also the chairman-elect of the United Way of America and on the boards 
of Up with People International, the Tulsa Philharmonic Society, the 
Nature Conservancy, the March of Dimes and on the Executive Committee 
of the Indian Nations Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
  Beyond communities and children, Cuba was also a champion of his 
employees. He was a leader in promoting diversity of ideas, cultures 
and backgrounds. He worked within Williams on its workforce initiatives 
and on opportunities to attract and advance minority talent.
  Cuba often stated his belief that ``to be a true leader you must have 
a vision for the future and be ruthlessly committed and focused on 
making that vision a reality. True leaders have the capacity to take a 
diverse group of employees from all levels and deploy strategies that 
optimize their capabilities. Leaders do not surround themselves with 
people in their own image, instead they surround themselves with a 
diverse and highly talented workforce.'' I find these great words to 
live by, from an outstanding leader whose many contributions will be 
greatly missed.
  Cuba was born in Arkansas, held degrees from Washington University 
and St. Louis University and served his country in the U.S. Marine 
Corps. His service with Williams spanned 22 years. Our thoughts and 
prayers go out to his wife Ann, their two children and their three 
grandchildren. His positive contribution to numerous employees, 
countless friends and all Oklahomans is greatly appreciated.

                          ____________________