CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 01/24/13 -- BMO Harris Bank announced today, in partnership with the Chicago Bulls, the recognition of U.S. Marine Corps Captain Fletcher Marks and Gunnery Sergeant Eric Villarreal through the bank's "Military Moments" program.

The two service members were publicly honored at the Jan. 21, 2013 Chicago Bulls game for their military accomplishments and service. The bank's "Military Moments" program recognizes local veterans during the opening ceremony of a Chicago Bulls game. After taking part in the "Honorary Captains meeting" with the referees and the team captains for the Bulls and opposing team, the veterans are featured on the United Center's scoreboard and participate in the singing of the National Anthem.

"For the past two years, we've placed local veterans at center court, bringing to light their unwavering dedication and commitment to serving our country through our 'Military Moments' program," said Chris McComish, Executive Vice President, Personal Banking, BMO Harris Bank, and Executive Sponsor of the bank's Veterans Advisory Council. "The program, in partnership with the Chicago Bulls, allows us to acknowledge and thank veterans like Fletcher and Eric who are true heroes in our communities."

Schererville resident Eric Villarreal joined the Marines in 1998 and has since deployed to Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Korea, Kenya, Egypt, Bahrain and Afghanistan. He is currently stationed in Chicago as the Officer Selection Team Chief for the Marine Officer programs.

Chicago resident Fletcher Marks joined the Marines in 2008 and has since deployed as an air traffic controller to South America and Afghanistan. He is currently stationed in Chicago as the Selection Officer for the Marine Officer programs.

About BMO Harris Bank
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank(SM) is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

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