Sergeant Major Holly C. Prafke enlisted in the U. S. Marines in August of 1982, in the Delayed Entry Program, and one year later reported to Parris Island, South Carolina.

Upon completion of Recruit Training, in September of 1983, Sergeant Major Prafke, then PVT Pfeifer, was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class and transferred to Camp Johnson for training in her Military Occupational Specialty.

In January of 1984, PFC Pfeifer reported to her first duty station, Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan. Assigned to HAMS-12, MAG-12, and working as an Aviation Supply clerk, she was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal, and again to Corporal.

After a successful one year tour, Cpl Pfeifer received orders to Camp Pendleton, California, as a Fiscal Clerk for Special Services and the Comptrollers Office. Nights and weekends she represented the Marine Corps in parades and ceremonies as a part of the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard (Horse Marines).

Back to Japan, this time to Okinawa as a Ground Supply Clerk. Then back to California, this time to Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, where she served with the Military Police as the Supply Chief and as a reserve MP, worked CID investigations and Traffic Control. She also volunteered for the Horse Marines; riding in the Rose Parade and Fiesta Bowl four years running, guarding countless VIPs, and opening for football games and rodeos.

Sgt Pfeifer reported to Cherry Point, North Carolina for duty with Combat Service Support Detachment 21. As a Ground Supply Clerk, she was promoted to Staff Sergeant and after a two and a half year tour, she and her husband requested and received orders to the Drill Field.

After graduating from DI School, SSgt Prafke was assigned to Fourth Battalion. After successful completion of DI Duty, she went back to Cherry Point. She was assigned to the G-4, Inspecting Generals Office, and then went back to the Wing as the Supply Chief at MWSS 271. While there, GySgt Prafke volunteered to be a Domestic Violence Advocate. After three years at MWSS, she was chosen to be the Director of Corporal Leadership School and remained Director for three years until she was promoted out of a job; First Sergeant.

First Sergeant Prafke was transferred to 8th Communications Battalion, 2d FSSG. Other tours as a 1stSgt include CSSD 21 and MSSG 22. She has since transferred from 3d Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, to VMAQ-3.

Sergeant Major Prafkes awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Volunteer Service Medal.