As we celebrate Altana’s 75th anniversary, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing volunteer board of directors. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our credit union into what it is today. We’re excited to introduce you to each volunteer board member to mark this special milestone. First up, meet Richard Nauman!
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING?
I was born during a blizzard in 1932 on a farm near Belfry, Montana! The doctor couldn’t make it through the storm (house calls were the standard in those days!), so my two aunts helped deliver me. When I was 15, I worked for a ranch in the Beartooth Mountains during summer. Growing up on a farm meant many chores, which taught me responsibility early on. We lived on “Dutch Lane” because many relatives of German descent lived nearby.
WHAT LED YOU TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
I once heard a quote that has always stuck with me: “A young boy asked a veteran why he enlisted in the military. The veteran replied, ‘I gave my yesterday for your tomorrow.’” That reply from the veteran tells of the sacrifices veterans are willing to make for our country and the freedom we have today. My family has a history of service. My uncle was killed in action in WWII, which deeply affected me. So, when I turned 19, I enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. It was quite a shift from farm life to military service, but it instilled a profound sense of patriotism in me.
WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE?
After my discharge, I worked for the Montana State Highway Department for a bit before starting a 35-year stint at Cenex Refinery in Laurel. I also served on the Cenex volunteer fire department during that time.
YOU’VE BEEN MARRIED FOR 67 YEARS! HOW DID YOU AND YOUR WIFE MEET?
Ah, the good ol’ days of Saturday night dances. I asked Joanne for a date back then; the rest is history. We’ve lived in Laurel ever since, raising three sons and witnessing many changes. One memorable change is our first home, a nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath house that cost $7,500 at 9.75% interest! We’d finally saved enough money after 4 months of being married to buy our first television!
ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG FOLKS STARTING OUT?
Learn financial responsibility early on because “you” will pay the bills one day! Earn and manage money wisely, and always work toward your goals through education and hard work.
WHAT WAS ALTANA LIKE WHEN YOU JOINED THE BOARD?
Ray Harris was Altana’s first C.E.O. He lived by the credit union’s purpose of people helping its members with financial needs, which is, of course, its purpose for today. He was highly respected in the community and known throughout Montana as “Mr. Credit Union.”
YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE CREDIT UNION FOR QUITE SOME TIME. CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT THAT?
I got involved in 1973 when Ray Harris, C.E.O. of what was then “Laurel Federal Credit Union,” taught me much about credit unions. Now, 50 years later, I’m retiring from the board. It’s been a pleasure serving Altana Credit Union and its members all these years.
We wish Richard all the best for his incredible dedication to Altana Credit Union’s board for over 50 years! His commitment and wisdom have been the bedrock of our community, and we’re so grateful for his tireless efforts. Here’s to you, Richard, for being an absolute legend!