Behind the Mission

James Dunaj is the co-founder of Light Guard Response Corps, founded alongside his wife, Melissa Dunaj. Together, they are united by a shared commitment to serving communities during their most critical moments.

James is a United States Marine Corps infantry veteran, where he developed discipline, teamwork, and mission focused leadership in high stress and demanding environments. Following his military service, he served as a police officer, gaining extensive experience in emergency response, search operations, risk assessment, and public safety.

His combined military and law enforcement background provides a strong foundation for effective search and rescue operations, bringing structure, accountability, situational awareness, and steady leadership to complex and time critical missions. Alongside Melissa, James founded Light Guard Response Corps to deliver professional, ethical, and compassionate search and rescue and humanitarian response, standing as a guiding light for those in need.

Shy brings strong leadership, communication skills, and a deep passion for animal advocacy to the organization. With extensive experience in community relations, chamber involvement, and public outreach, Shy plays a vital role in building partnerships, connecting with supporters, and expanding LightGuard’s mission throughout the region.

Shy’s ability to engage communities, develop meaningful relationships, and share LightGuard’s purpose with clarity and heart makes her an essential force behind the Shelter to Service program. Her dedication ensures every dog’s story is heard, and every opportunity for impact is pursued.

Kayla James serves as the Communications Coordinator for LightGuard Response Corps. She is a Bexar County Public Safety Tele-communicator, bringing firsthand experience in emergency communications, situational awareness, and crisis response.

Kayla has an extensive background in dog training and has spent many years training service dogs, giving her a deep understanding of working dogs and operational discipline.

Her combined experience in public safety and canine training allows her to effectively bridge the gap between field operations and clear, accurate communication with the public and partner agencies. Kayla is passionate about ensuring LightGuard’s mission, deployments, and impact are communicated with professionalism, transparency, and heart.

Melissa Dunaj is the co-founder of Light Guard Response Corps, founded alongside her husband, James Dunaj. She brings a strong background in animal welfare and a long standing commitment to advocating for vulnerable animals and supporting humane outcomes in complex situations.

Previously, Melissa worked in animal shelters as an adoption counselor and alternative exit specialist, focusing on evaluating placement options for animals with medical, behavioral, or situational challenges. Her work centered on identifying appropriate rescue, sanctuary, or specialized care solutions, ensuring thoughtful and ethical decision making for animals requiring non traditional outcomes.

Melissa has also served on the board of directors for the nonprofit 501c3 animal welfare organization Love Your Feral Felines since 2017. Her experience in animal welfare governance, combined with her hands on shelter background, provides a strong foundation for search and rescue and disaster response involving animals. Together with James, she founded Light Guard Response Corps to deliver professional, ethical, and compassionate search and rescue and humanitarian response, ensuring care and dignity for both people and animals during times of crisis.

Emily plays an essential role in Sonic’s development as a Search & Rescue K9 with LightGuard. As a K9 Care & Training Volunteer, she helps support Sonic’s daily routine through walks, feeding, socialization, and hands-on training support.

Emily also assists with documenting Sonic’s journey, helping share the heart behind the mission and the work that goes into preparing a K9 team for real-world response.

Her dedication helps ensure Sonic is learning, growing, and building the confidence needed for the critical work ahead.