Commander applauds Oak Ridge Boys

American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett expressed congratulations on behalf of the organization to The Oak Ridge Boys on their induction this week into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"Hall of Fame honors have deservedly come to The Oak Ridge Boys for their musical talent and success in country music for more than 40 years," Barnett said. "It doesn't get much better than that. But you don't achieve that kind of success without values, and theirs are written into every lyric and note. The Oak Ridge Boys and The American Legion share many of the same values: patriotism, family, community and support for the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. The American Legion is proud to call The Oak Ridge Boys our official 'spokesband' when it comes to helping veterans adjust to life after service."

The Grammy Award-winning band received the prestigious Patriot Award at the 97th American Legion National Convention in Baltimore in September. The Oak Ridge Boys have also made televised appearances with The American Legion over the last year to raise awareness of the mental health needs of today's returning veterans and the help they can get from the Legion. A televised Christmas special with The American Legion aired nationally in 2014 and is due to be broadcast again this holiday season. DVDs of the special are also available here or by calling 888-982-2256.

"The Oak Ridge Boys are great friends of our nation's veterans and of The American Legion in particular," Barnett said. "We salute them on their Hall of Fame induction."

The Oak Ridge Boys consist of lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden. They have produced more than 30 top 10 hit songs, 12 gold records, three platinum records, one double-platinum album and a double-platinum single, with combined sales totaling 41 million records sold. They maintain a vigorous touring schedule. See more here.