"It turned out that Hammond had investigated the same area we were then investigating about twenty years earlier. He had been compelled to go back to that area after a twenty year hiatus because he still felt there was something there. He had originally been led to that area by clues and reasoning similar to what had drawn us there! He had long-since come to the same conclusions that we eventually reached. By this quirk of fate, we had met a Kindred Spirit.

 

"The entire event of his recognizing that someone else was investigating that area; his decision to leave a cryptic message; our finding and understanding of that message; and our decision to locate the author of that message (to find out what he had in mind and what he knew) has always seemed to be a bit mystic marvel to at least some of us.

 

"Besides his prospecting avocation, Hammond was a dedicated family man. He also donated much of his energy and time to the Boy Scouts of America, as a troop leader and in other roles. Some of those who knew him only as a prospecting partner have often felt that the youth that had the privilege of his tutelage were blessed.

 

"Milton Hammond was one of those quiet American Heroes. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him through interactions in each of his meaningful avocations. Rest assured that those members of H.E.A.T. who grew to understand and appreciate him and his knowledge will continue to miss his physical and spiritual presence.

 

"Milton, old buddy, we will miss you."

 

Mic McPherson for H.E.A.T.