The Teams
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Melissa Schmalhorst
Retired Veteran Military Dog Handler/Trainer Founder/President of STMSAR
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Melissa Schmalhorst was born in Wiesbaden, Germany into a military family. She grew up training horses and went to Missouri State University competing on the Equestrian Team and majoring in Animal Science. She began her military career in July 2008 by joining the United States Air Force as Security Forces. During her ten years, she was an Armorer/Designated Marksman & Emergency Service Team (EST) Member at Incirlik AB, Turkey, a Fire Team leader/Heavy Weapon gunner at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and a patrol/explosive, patrol/narcotic canine handler at Fairchild AFB, Washington as well as a lead trainer for MWD teams. She deployed multiple times to the Middle East during Operation New Dawn/Enduring Freedom and went on US Secret Service missions with her explosive dogs Glen N733 & Bety R204. In 2015 she was assigned to the 341st at Lackland AFB and trained explosive, narcotic and controlled aggression dogs for all branches of the Military. In 2018, she was medically retired from the Air Force and wanted to continue utilizing her dog handling and riding skills. She also served as a contract explosive dog handler for Dogs for Defense Inc and is a handler/trainer for the Israel Dog Unit.
Certifications – Military Working Dog Handler, MWD Trainer/Kennel Master, Security Forces Police Academy, Special Operations Combative Program (SOCP), S-V80 Survival, Evasion Resistance and Escape, S-V90 Water Survival Training, S-V84-AF Underwater Egress w/Helicopter, MWD Tier III Operations, NASAR SARTECH III Wilderness Search Specialist, IPWDA Certified Human Remains K9 Handler, NASAR Mounted SAR Tech III.
Certifications – Military Working Dog Handler, MWD Trainer/Kennel Master, Security Forces Police Academy, Special Operations Combative Program (SOCP), S-V80 Survival, Evasion Resistance and Escape, S-V90 Water Survival Training, S-V84-AF Underwater Egress w/Helicopter, MWD Tier III Operations, NASAR SARTECH III Wilderness Search Specialist, IPWDA Certified Human Remains K9 Handler, NASAR Mounted SAR Tech III.
Jorge Riestra
Vice President of STMSAR
Jorge was born and lived most of his life in Mexico. Growing up he really enjoyed camping, rock climbing, and rappelling on the weekends. From new places to climb, rivers to explore and new trails to ride he grew a love for nature and the wilderness. His family raised him showing the true love and joy of helping others; this influenced him at the age of 17 yrs old to become a paramedic with the Mexican Red Cross and an instructor in urban rescue & vertical ropes. He moved to Florida where he didn't utilize his skills and knowledge so he moved to South Texas. This is where he met Melissa Schmalhorst, as he was looking for a K9 SAR trainer and since then she has been his mentor.
Certifications – International Business Degree, GSAR Ground Search Technician, First Aid/AED/CPR & Infant CPR, Flood and Swift Water Technician 1 In-Training FAST 2, In Training - Human Remains K9 Handler.
Vice President of STMSAR
Jorge was born and lived most of his life in Mexico. Growing up he really enjoyed camping, rock climbing, and rappelling on the weekends. From new places to climb, rivers to explore and new trails to ride he grew a love for nature and the wilderness. His family raised him showing the true love and joy of helping others; this influenced him at the age of 17 yrs old to become a paramedic with the Mexican Red Cross and an instructor in urban rescue & vertical ropes. He moved to Florida where he didn't utilize his skills and knowledge so he moved to South Texas. This is where he met Melissa Schmalhorst, as he was looking for a K9 SAR trainer and since then she has been his mentor.
Certifications – International Business Degree, GSAR Ground Search Technician, First Aid/AED/CPR & Infant CPR, Flood and Swift Water Technician 1 In-Training FAST 2, In Training - Human Remains K9 Handler.
Kate Sommer
Treasurer of STMSAR
Kate was born and raised in Northern Illinois. Growing up she was surrounded by horses and focused most of her attention on starting young horses and ponies before she switched her focus to young racehorses needing a new career. She also spent many years showing on the hunter/jumper circuit throughout the Midwest. After high school, Kate went on to attend college at The University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ where she received a bachelor’s in science in biology. She then furthered her education at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL where she received her doctorate in pharmacy. She has spent much of her early career in Level I Trauma centers, focusing on a career in critical care. In 2019, Kate moved to San Antonio, TX with her husband (veteran). Through the veteran community, Kate was introduced into the working dog world and was introduced to Melissa Schmalhorst. In late 2020, Kate acquired her first working dog and has since been working under the guidance of Melissa. With Melissa’s expertise, Kate has been spending her days away from the hospital learning and growing as a K9 handler.
Certifications – GSAR Wilderness Search Specialist, In-Training - Human Remains K9 Handler & NASAR Mounted SAR Tech III.
Treasurer of STMSAR
Kate was born and raised in Northern Illinois. Growing up she was surrounded by horses and focused most of her attention on starting young horses and ponies before she switched her focus to young racehorses needing a new career. She also spent many years showing on the hunter/jumper circuit throughout the Midwest. After high school, Kate went on to attend college at The University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ where she received a bachelor’s in science in biology. She then furthered her education at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL where she received her doctorate in pharmacy. She has spent much of her early career in Level I Trauma centers, focusing on a career in critical care. In 2019, Kate moved to San Antonio, TX with her husband (veteran). Through the veteran community, Kate was introduced into the working dog world and was introduced to Melissa Schmalhorst. In late 2020, Kate acquired her first working dog and has since been working under the guidance of Melissa. With Melissa’s expertise, Kate has been spending her days away from the hospital learning and growing as a K9 handler.
Certifications – GSAR Wilderness Search Specialist, In-Training - Human Remains K9 Handler & NASAR Mounted SAR Tech III.
Shiloh Barry
Secretary of STMSAR
Shiloh was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She grew up with horses and was riding before she could walk. Dogs have always been a big and special part of her life. She attended Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI for high school and sits on the top ten fasts girls list in school history. She went on to High Point University in High Point, NC where she studied International Business. She graduated early to start her professional career. She works for a software development company and helps her Fiancé Dakoda Riddle train dogs. Shiloh is passionate about dogs and giving them purpose. She owns The Leukemia and Lymphoma National Dog of The Year, Callie.
Certifications – GSAR Wilderness Search Specialist, In-Training - Human Remains K9 Handler & Live Find K9 Handler.
Secretary of STMSAR
Shiloh was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She grew up with horses and was riding before she could walk. Dogs have always been a big and special part of her life. She attended Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI for high school and sits on the top ten fasts girls list in school history. She went on to High Point University in High Point, NC where she studied International Business. She graduated early to start her professional career. She works for a software development company and helps her Fiancé Dakoda Riddle train dogs. Shiloh is passionate about dogs and giving them purpose. She owns The Leukemia and Lymphoma National Dog of The Year, Callie.
Certifications – GSAR Wilderness Search Specialist, In-Training - Human Remains K9 Handler & Live Find K9 Handler.
Dakoda Riddle
Handler & Trainer of STMSAR
Dakoda Riddle served in the United States Air Force from 2009-2020 as a military police K9 handler. During his time in the Air Force Dakoda handled multiple dual-purpose narcotics and explosive K9’s. He provided support for the United States Department of Energy, the United States Secret Service, and multiple law enforcement agencies across several states. While a K9 officer Dakoda held the positions of handler, trainer, and kennel master. During that time he lead and orchestrated multi-agency exercises and training scenarios to ensure his teams were proficient in explosive detection, IED recognition, tactical entries and suspect apprehension. Dakoda deployed with an Explosive Detection/Patrol K9 in 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Dakoda has attended TSI basic SWAT, Army SRT, and Army Air Assault. Dakoda has been able to utilize his knowledge of SWAT and helo operations to safely and effectively incorporate his K9 partners into high-risk environments adding an invaluable resource to his team. Dakoda has been awarded: Top Dog “detection”, Outstanding Performer “DOD Trainer Kennel Master Course” and TSgt Jason Norton Top K9 team “2016.” After leaving the Air Force Dakoda started working with the DoD as a civilian contractor training green military working dogs in December of 2020. His team has qualified over 20 dual-purpose dogs (detection and patrol certified). Within 6 months Dakoda was moved to the position of lead trainer and continues to train both detection and patrol dogs for the Department of Defense. Furthermore, Dakoda has an extensive background in protection sports and has been the decoy or trainer for more than 20 titled dogs in 3 different sports.
Certifications – Military Working Dog Handler, MWD Trainer/Kennel Master, Security Forces Police Academy, MWD Tier III Operations, Special Reaction team Course (SRT), In-Training - Wilderness Search Specialist, In-Training - Human Remains K9 Handler. Dakoda is a designated Trainer for STMSAR.
Handler & Trainer of STMSAR
Dakoda Riddle served in the United States Air Force from 2009-2020 as a military police K9 handler. During his time in the Air Force Dakoda handled multiple dual-purpose narcotics and explosive K9’s. He provided support for the United States Department of Energy, the United States Secret Service, and multiple law enforcement agencies across several states. While a K9 officer Dakoda held the positions of handler, trainer, and kennel master. During that time he lead and orchestrated multi-agency exercises and training scenarios to ensure his teams were proficient in explosive detection, IED recognition, tactical entries and suspect apprehension. Dakoda deployed with an Explosive Detection/Patrol K9 in 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Dakoda has attended TSI basic SWAT, Army SRT, and Army Air Assault. Dakoda has been able to utilize his knowledge of SWAT and helo operations to safely and effectively incorporate his K9 partners into high-risk environments adding an invaluable resource to his team. Dakoda has been awarded: Top Dog “detection”, Outstanding Performer “DOD Trainer Kennel Master Course” and TSgt Jason Norton Top K9 team “2016.” After leaving the Air Force Dakoda started working with the DoD as a civilian contractor training green military working dogs in December of 2020. His team has qualified over 20 dual-purpose dogs (detection and patrol certified). Within 6 months Dakoda was moved to the position of lead trainer and continues to train both detection and patrol dogs for the Department of Defense. Furthermore, Dakoda has an extensive background in protection sports and has been the decoy or trainer for more than 20 titled dogs in 3 different sports.
Certifications – Military Working Dog Handler, MWD Trainer/Kennel Master, Security Forces Police Academy, MWD Tier III Operations, Special Reaction team Course (SRT), In-Training - Wilderness Search Specialist, In-Training - Human Remains K9 Handler. Dakoda is a designated Trainer for STMSAR.
