Call a military lawyer actually located in an office in Vilseck, and near Grafenwoehr & Hohenfels

In addition to decades of experience and knowledge of how military justice is handled in Europe (Will lived in Germany for eight years and Italy for two years), what distinguishes the Law Office of Will M. Helixon from all other military lawyers is he has an actual office in Germany. Not a virtual office, where he will travel to handle your case, but a physical office located outside of the gate of Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. You can meet with him in person to discuss your case. You can drop files and documents off at his office. You can call him on your time schedule because he is in the same time zone as Soldiers stationed in Germany and Italy. Will Helixon is your military lawyer IN Europe.

The Law Office of Will M. Helixon prides itself in working with unmatched experts and consultants in their field in the nation.  He has decades of military law experience handling some of the most important cases the military has seen.  He has handled multiple cases in the Vilseck, Germany (Rose Barracks), Grafenwoehr, Germany (Tower Barracks), and Hohenfels area. Stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany, for three years, and responsible for cases in Grafenwoehr and Vilseck while the brigade judge advocate in Vicenza, Italy, he knows the issues you face in Germany. With 18-years of service on active duty as a military lawyer, Will currently serves a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He brings experience as a prosecutor, serving as a trial counsel (Bamberg, Germany), senior trial counsel (Bamberg, Germany), brigade judge advocate (Vicenza, Italy) and special victim prosecutor (Grafenwoehr, Germany; JBLM) to your defense.  He also has a wealth of defense experience as a civilian defense counsel (Houston; Kansas City), military senior defense counsel (Hanau, Germany), and chief of training for the Trial Defense Services (Fort Belvoir).  Will’s combined decades of litigation experience as a prosecutor, defense counsel, and advocacy trainer will make him a prime part of your defense team.

The Law Office of Will M. Helixon is ready to review your case and discuss your best defenses with you today.

Rose Barracks (Vilseck, Germany) and Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr, Germany) Namesake:

Rose Barracks (Vilseck) Namesake

Vilseck was formerly known as “South Camp” under the German Army, and after it was captured by U.S. Soldiers in the middle of 1945, Vilseck was turned into a tank training area for U.S. tankers.  It was named Rose Barracks after MG Maurice Rose, the commander of the 3rd Armored Division.  The son and grandson of rabbis from Poland, MG Rose was at the time, the highest-ranking Jew in the U.S. Army.  He had a reputation for leading his troops from the front. 

He was killed on March 30, 1945.  According to the Denver Post, “MG Rose and his staff, surrounded by German troops, were attempting to surrender.  A panicked young German tank soldier fired one shot to Rose’s head, killing him instantly.”

MG Rose’s aide-de-camp, MAJ Robert Bellinger witnessed the murder.  In news reports of the day, MAJ Bellinger recounted the event.  He said that MG Rose typically rode with advance elements of his command, and on this occasion, they received a report that some of his men had been cut-off behind them.  He ordered his driver to turn around to check on his men.  As they sped down a road believed to have been previously cleared in his Jeep, MG Rose came across a column of German tanks.  Taking defensive actions, MG Rose had his driver escape across a field.  Once crossing the field, they met more German Tanks.  They were encircled by German tanks.

It is reported that MG Rose got out of the Jeep and approached a German tank soldier with his arms raised.  His aide-de-camp followed closely behind MG Rose.  The Nazi soldier seemed to panic and shot MG Rose in the head, killing him instantly.  Major Bellinger saw the young Nazi soldier pause in apparent disbelief and sprinted for the Jeep, shouting at the driver to “go.”  The driver and MAJ Bellinger escaped.  Members of Major General Rose’s command quickly returned and recovered his body.  They eventually escaped. American forces returned as soon as possible to recover Rose’s body.

Major General Rose is remembered as a revered commander of the 3rd Armored Division.  A school in The Netherlands bears his name, a hospital complex in Denver is named after him, as well as a naval ship.

.

Major General Rose rests at the American Military Cemetery in Margraten, The Netherlands.

Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr) Namesake

Tower Barracks is named after the famous and ornate water tower on the main post of the Grafenwoehr Training Area. As the tallest and most recognizable structure on post, many locations use its name (Tower Theater and Tower Inn for example). Originally used to supply water to the post and training area, today the city of Grafenwoehr, Germany, supplies the water for post. Today, it houses a couple of conferences rooms and serves as a backup to the city water supply.

Military Lawyer Representing Soldiers at Rose Barracks (Vilseck), Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr), and Hohenfels

First, at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we know how intimidating it can be to face the hard-times and negative feelings that come with every military legal matter.  Our goal is to make the military legal process as painless as possible for you.  Our firm dedicates a part of our practice to helping clients throughout the Vilseck, Germany (Rose Barracks), Grafenwoehr (Tower Barracks), and the Hohenfels area. From courts-martial motions litigation to administrative boards to responding to AR 15-6 Investigation adverse findings, the Law Office of Will M. Helixon is ready to help.  Whatever military law troubles you may be facing, know that they are no challenge for the Law Office of Will M. Helixon.

Second, no matter what military law issues or what violations of the UCMJ you face in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfels area military courts, our military law, and criminal law services can help you through this stormy time in your life. We provide you professional, detailed, and focused legal advice for your case.  We are charged with the standard of providing you with inspired legal representation.  The Law Office of Will M. Helixon is confident that our determination and legal know-how can help you with your military law case in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfels, Germany, area.

Vilseck (Rose Barracks), Grafenwoehr (Tower Barracks), and Hohenfels Cases

Importantly, the Law Office of Will M. Helixon stands as one of the leading law firms in providing support on military law matters for the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and the Hohenfels, Germany, area. At the Law Office of Will M. Helixon, we focus on helping you navigate the circumstances of your military law issues with the interest and consideration you deserve.

As a military lawyer and court-martial defense lawyer, Will M. Helixon has over 20-years’ experience serving as a detailed military lawyer while on active duty, as defense counsel, senior defense counsel, trial counsel (prosecutor), senior trial counsel (senior prosecutor), special victim prosecutor, and chief of defense litigation training at the U.S. Army Defense Counsel Assistance Program (DCAP).  As a former detailed defense counsel and chief of defense training for the Army, Will know the strengths and weaknesses of military defense lawyers.  Will know the advantages and limitations of the military defense organizations.  Will knows how to work with your detailed military lawyers as a team, not sideline them.  The Law Office of Will M. Helixon is uniquely qualified to leverage your detailed military lawyers in Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfels, Germany, to create a formidable defense team — a team to defend you against questionable charges by an often overzealous Government.

Furthermore, our firm represents or has formerly represented Soldiers there and in the Vilseck, Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, area.  We have advised and defended clients on matters in Vilseck, Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, including the wrongful destruction of government property, fraud, sexual assault, domestic violence, aggravated assault and violating lawful orders.  These matters have included representation at courts-martial, administrative separations, military investigations, and other adverse administrative matters.  The Law Office of Will M. Helixon is fully licensed to represent the Soldiers in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfels, Germany, area in all military trial and appellate courts.

Understanding the many implications of military legal justice actions, we know it is important to react swiftly to any legal issues by consulting with a knowledgeable military attorney. Our firm’s background in the military service will help you understand your options and your next steps during this challenging time.  Will’s knowledge as a former active-duty enlisted Soldier, an active-duty officer for nearly 18-years, and a current reserve officer (Lieutenant Colonel Judge Advocate) gives the Law Office of Will M. Helixon a unique perspective to your legal problem.  If you’re facing adverse legal actions as a result of your service in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfels, Germany, area, you need advice you can trust.  With over 25 years of combined civilian and military practice, we at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon is uniquely qualified to represent you in any of a variety of military cases. If you need defense expert military lawyer in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, and Hohenfelse, Germany, area, call us today at +49.(0).9662.293.8047.

Understanding the many implications of military legal justice actions, we know it is important to react swiftly to any legal issues by consulting with a knowledgeable military attorney. Our firm’s background in the uniformed service will help you understand your options and your next steps during this challenging time.  Will’s knowledge as a former active-duty enlisted Soldier, an active-duty officer for nearly 18-years, and a current reserve officer (Lieutenant Colonel Judge Advocate) gives the Law Office of Will M. Helixon a unique perspective to your legal problem.  If you’re facing adverse legal actions as a result of your military service in the Vilseck, Grafenwoehr, or Hohenfels area, you need advice you can trust.  With over 25 years of combined civilian and military practice, we at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon is uniquely qualified to represent you in any of a variety of military cases. If you need defense expert military lawyer in the Vilseck, Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, area, call us today at +49.(0).9662.293.8047.

Origins of Vilseck, (Rose Barracks), Grafenwoehr, (Tower Barracks), and Hohenfels Training Area 

Origins of Vilseck, Germany (Rose Barracks)

Vilseck, Germany, is a town in the Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) region of northeastern Bavaria, Germany situated on the river Vils, a tributary of the Naab River.  The town is geographically detached from Rose Barracks.  The Village of Sorghof is adjacent to the military base which is often simply referred to as “Vilseck.” The base was constructed in 1937-1938 to train the German military as they geared up for World War II.  The Germans referred to the base as Südlager, or South Camp.  Captured by the U.S. in 1945, it was renamed Rose Barracks.

As of the 2011 census, the population of Vilseck, Germany, was 3,520 and the population of Sorghof, Germany, was 800.  In the nearly 65 square kilometers of Vilseck, Germany, there are 35 hamlets and villages, of which Sorghof, Germany, is one.  In 2005, the estimated population of all of the hamlets, villages, and Vilseck, Germany, was approximately 6,500. 

The name Vilseck comes from the location of a castle built in 920. “Eck” is the German word for corner. The Vils river has a tight bend where the Burg (castle) is located. Thus, the name Vilseck.  The castle in Vilseck, Germany, is the Dagestein Castle.  Built in the 12th century as a stone fortress housing the clerical Lord.  In 1185 Vilseck was first referred to as a part of the Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg, an ecclesiastical State of the Holy Roman Empire. One document from 1205 mentioned a Megelaus of Dagestein, and after the Dagestein dynasty died out, the lords of the Dagestein castle began to use the name of the burgeoning city of Vilseck.

Origins of Grafenwoehr, Germany (Tower Barracks)

Origins of Hohenfels Training Area

Vilseck, (Rose Barracks), Grafenwoehr, (Tower Barracks), and Hohenfels Today

Vilseck (Rose Barracks)

Vilsceck and Grafenwoehr sit on opposite sides of the training area and Vilseck is home to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. A list of units at Vilseck (Rose Barracks) include:

• 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • Fires Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
• 2nd Cavalry Regiment Reed Museum
• 102nd Signal Battalion
• 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron
• 39th Transportation Battalion

Grafenwoehr (Tower Barracks)

It used to be known as U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr, but in 2013 Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Hohenfels and Garmisch were consolidated into what is now known as U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and is headquartered in Grafenwoehr. USAG Bavaria provides the command, control and operations supporting training missions of local and rotational units in the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas. Grafenwoehr units include:

• 7th Army Training Command
• 106th Financial Management Support Unit
• 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
• 1st Inland Cargo Transfer Company
• 702nd Explosive Ordinance Disposal Company
• 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion
• 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment
• 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment
• 15th Engineer Battalion
• 928th Contracting Battalion
• 534th Engineer Detachment
• 18th MP Brigade
• 709th MP Battalion
• 615th MP Company
• 131st Military Working Dog Detachment
• 457th Civilian Affairs Battalion
• 1172nd Movement Control Team
• 102nd Signal Battalion
• 66 Military Intelligence Brigade
• 39th Transportation Battalion
• 928th Contracting Battalion (Regional Contracting Office)

Hohenfels Training Area

Vilseck (Rose Barracks) and Grafenwoehr (Tower Barracks) Surrounding Area

Rose Barracks (Vilseck):  Sorghof, Vilseck, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Amberg

Village of Sorghof

During the rearmament of the Nazi Army, the military training area now known as Grafenwoehr Training Area was vastly enlarged in 1936-1938.  In fact, the training area doubled by 35,000 acres to the west of the existing camp as a result of the rapid growth of the Wehrmacht (Nazi Army).  Due to the expansion, 780 families with more than 3,500 civilians were relocated out of the extended training area.  This relocation of the population caused the desertion and abandonment of 58 villages and hamlets.  Starting in July 1937, the Nazis provided 44 original plots between the area of Obersoghofes and Altneuhaus for the displaced people from the training area. 

The development of the military training area was the birth of Sorghof, Germany. Many residents from the two larger towns of Haag and Langenbruck, as well as from several lesser villages and individual farms, were resettled in Sorghof.  They were forced to abandon their home and property and had to start a new life. In addition, later displaced persons from the former German eastern territories moved to Sorghof. 

On August 19, 1951, the construction of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Catholic Church) was completed, fulfilling a long-desired wish of the displaced residents.  Until 1971, the area was part of Langenbruck.  In 1971, the area was incorporated as Sorghof and became a part of Vilseck, Germany.

But since 1948, the young village Sorghof, Germany, celebrated on every fourth Sunday in July, a Kirwa, the celebration is based on the former Magdalenenkirwa of Altneuhaus. This bridge to the old homeland was maintained even after the construction of its own church.  Sorghoff continues to celebrate its Kirwa every year.

“Kirwa” is one of the Bavarian traditions that has shaped the landscapes in northern Bavaria and is now more popular than ever. There are over 250 Kirwa celebrations in eastern Middle Franconia, parts of Upper Franconia and, the Upper Palatinate (Oberphalz).

Kirwa comes from the term “Kirchweih,” which is plainly the dedication of a church in German. More commonly, it also names the festivity of the anniversary of a dedication (of a church) both at church and in local traditions. The event is often on the day rejoicing a church’s patron saint, or the day the cornerstone of the church was laid, but now it is often celebrated the following weekend. Customs vary locally in German-speaking countries, also local names such as Kirtag, Kärwa, Kirmes, and Kilbi. 

Sorghof, Germany, is a village outside of the main entrance gate to Rose Barracks. A part of Vilseck, it has a population of 800 and is 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) from the center of the post. Sorghof is about the size of Rough & Ready, California, and Indian Lake, Texas. On a normal day, it will take less than 4 minutes to get from post to Sorghof. This small village celebrates every summer with Kirwa Fest, usually in July. Sorghof, Germay, has a local soccer team that plays in a 1,500 person capacity filed.

City (Stadt) of Vilseck, Germany

Vilseck, Germany, is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from post. Vilseck is about the size of Aledo, Texas (about 14 miles from Texas Christian University) and Santa Rosa Valley, California (home of University of San Francisco, Santa Rosa). With a population of about 3,500, it will take about 8 minutes to get to the city center from post.

City (Stadt) of Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany

Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Germany, is about 22 kilometers (13.5 miles) from post. Sulzbach-Rosenberg is about the size of Dickinson, Texas (about 9 miles from the University of Houston – Clear Lake) and Hermosa Beach, California. It has a population of about 20,000 residents and the drive will take you about 25 minutes to get there from the center of post.

City (Stadt) of Amberg, Germany

Amberg, Germany, is about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from the center of the post. It will take about 30 minutes to get to Amberg of over 42.000 residents from the center of the post (Vilseck). Amberg is about the size of Burleson, Texas (about 12 miles from Southwestern Adventist University), and Bell Gardens, California (about 12 miles from the University of Southern California).

Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr):  Grafenwoehr, Eschenbach, Pressath, Auerbach, Weiden

City (Stadt) of Grafenwoehr, Germany

Grafenwoehr, Germany, stadt is about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from the center of Tower Barracks, but because of restricted roads and gates it could take you 5 minutes to get to the center of this 6,500 person city. Grafenwoehr is about the size of Lago Vista, Texas, and Gridley, California.

Village of Eschenbach

Eschenbach, Germany, is a village of about 4,000 residents and is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the center of Tower Barracks. Eschenbach is about the size of Port Aransas, Texas (home to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute that sustained massive damage during Hurricane Harvey) and Mission Hills, California. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by car, depending upon the route taken.

City (Stadt) of Pressath, Germany

Pressath, Germany, is a city of nearly 4,500 and is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the center of post. Pressath is about the size of Madisonville, Texas (about 26 miles from Sam Houston State University), and Guerneville, California. It will take about 15 minutes to get there by car.

City (Stadt) of Auerbach, Germany

Auerbach, Germany, is a city of approximately 5,700 and is about 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) from the center of Tower Barracks. Auerbach is about the size of Gun Barrel City, Texas, and West Modesto, California. It will take about 30 minutes to get there by car.

City (Stadt) of Weiden, Germany

Weiden, Germany, is a city of about 55,000 residents and is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the center of the post. Weiden is about the size of Temple, Texas, (home of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor) and Greenville, South Carolina (home of Furman University). It takes about 17 minutes to get there by car from post.

Hohenfels: Hohenfels, Parsberg, andSchmidmühlen

City (Stadt) of Hohenfels, Germany

Hohenfels, Germany is a small city of about 2,200 people and is located right outside of the Hohenfels Training Area. Hohenfels is about the size of Shiner, Texas, (home of the Spoetzl Brewing Company and Shiner Bock

beer) and Sleepy Hollow, California. The Germany Army created the training area outside of Hohenfels in 1938. During WWII, the training area served as a POW camp that housed several British prisoners. On April 24, 1945, the POW camp was liberated by the U.S. forces.

City (Stadt) of Parsberg, Germany

The city of Parsberg, Germany, has a population of approximately 6,700 people and is located about 16 kilometers (about 10 miles) from Hohenfels. It is about the size of Joshua, Texas, and Crescent City, California. It will take about 16 minutes to get to the post from Parsberg.

City (Stadt) ofSchmidmühlen, Germany

Established in 1010, the city of Schmidmühlen, Germany, has a population of about 2,300 people and is located 21 kilometers (about 13 miles) from the training area. It is about the size of Kemah, Texas, (locally famous for its boardwalk on the Gulf of Mexico) and and East Sonora, California. It will take about 20 minutes to get to post from Schmidmühlen.

Closest Major Cities to Vilseck, (Rose Barracks), Grafenwoehr, (Tower Barracks), and Hohenfels:  Nuremberg, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Munich, and Prague

Bayreuth, Germany

Bayreuth, Germany, a stadt (city) has nearly 71,000 residents and is 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Vilseck, Germany. Bayreuth is about the size of New Braunfels, Texas, (founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of the Solms–Braunfels region of Germany) and Redlands, California. It takes about 40 minutes to get there by car. It is 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Grafenwoehr, Germany, and it take about 50 minutes to get there. From Hohenfels, Bayreuth is 135 kilometers (about 84 miles), and it will take about an hour and a half to get there by car.

Nürnberg, Germany

Nürnberg, Germany, is a city of about 500,000 citizens and is 92 kilometers (57 miles) from Vilseck, Germany. By car, it will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to city center. From Grafenwoehr, Germany, it is about 83 kilometers (52 miles) and will take about an hour to reach the city. From Hohenfels, Nurnberg is 82 kilometers (51 miles), and it is about an hour by car to get to the city center.

Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg, Germany, is a city of a little over 70,000 inhabitants and is 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Vilseck, Germany. It is about the size of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Pittsburg, California. It will take about an hour and 20 minutes to get there. It is about 132 kilometers from Grafenwoehr, Germany (82 miles) and should also take about an hour and 20 minutes to make the trek. Bamberg is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Hohenfels, and it will take about an hour and a half to get there by car. Bamberg is a stunning city in Upper Franconia untouched by Allied bombings in WWI. The northern Bavarian city sits on the Regnitz river and the Main-Danube channel. Bamberg is built on seven hills, each with a church or castle atop it, and is known as “Franconian Rome.” The second bishop Suidger of Bamberg was elected as Pope Clemens II in 1046, and is the only entombed (in the Bamberg cathedral) pope north of the Alps. Bamberg has a long-history of brewing beer, and there are 10 unique breweries located there. In 1993, Bamberg was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bamberg was the home of Warner Barracks until it closed in 2014. Will M. Helixon was stationed at Warner Barracks from 2000-2003, and responsible for part of the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team located at Warner Barracks from 2006-2008. From 2010 to 2013, Will served as the Special Victim Prosecutor for Bavaria, and Warner Barrack, Bamberg, was part of his responsibility. Bamberg, Germany, is not only significant professionally, but Will’s son was born there as well.

Munich, Germany

Munich, Germany, is a city of about 1.5 million residents and is 222 kilometers (138 miles) from Vilseck, Germany. Munich is about the size of San Antonio, Texas (home of the Alamo, the Riverwalk, Joint Base San Antonio, Brooks Army Medical Center, St. Mary’s University and Trinity University), and San Diego, California. The drive will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get to the city center. From Grafenwoehr, Germany, it is about 214 kilometers (133 miles) and the drive will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Hohenfels, Munich is 157 kilometers (98 miles), and it will take about an hour and forty-five minutes to get there by car.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city of about 1.3 million citizens and is 221 kilometers (137 miles) from Vilseck, Germany. You can plan on the drive taking about 2 hours and 35 minutes from Vilseck. From Grafenwoehr, the 231 kilometers (143 miles) drive will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It will take about 2 hours, and 15 minutes to get to Prague (259 kilometers/161 miles) from Hohenfels.

Other Military Facilities Vilseck, (Rose Barracks) and Grafenwoehr, (Tower Barracks) 

Background of The Law Office of Will M. Helixon

Will M. Helixon unveiled the Law Office of Will M. Helixon in February of 2016.  Originally headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the firm’s original mandate was to defend members of the military in courts-martial, adverse administrative proceedings and other criminal proceedings. Today, the firm has advised commander and defended Soldiers in multiple complex and high-profile military cases.  The firm now handles most military matters, including medical issues involving the MEB/PEB process, adverse administrative matters, military justice matters, and legal assistance matters, including the correction of military records.  No longer in Kansas City, the firm now has a presence in North Texas (Frisco) and a European office physically located in Vilseck, Germany.  Call us today to assist with your legal issue in the Vilseck and Grafenwoehr area.

All military lawyers at the Law Office of Will M. Helixon maintain licenses to practice before all military trial courts.

Law Office of Will M. Helixon – Germany, Hans-Ohorn-Platz 7, First Floor, 92249, Vilseck, Germany.

Law Office of Will M. Helixon – United States, 6136 Frisco Square Blvd., Suite 400, Frisco, Texas, 75034.

Germany +49 (0) 9662-293-8047

United States (913) 353-6466