Heather Holley was born on August 21, 1991, in Alexandria, Louisiana. She enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 2, 2010, and completed Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in April 2010. Airman Holley next attended Medical Admin Specialist training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, from May to July 2010, followed by service as a Medical Admin Specialist with the Medical Support Squadron, 81st Medical Group, at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, from August 2010 to February 2012. Her next assignment was with the Medical Operations Squadron, 81st Medical Group, from February 2012 to February 2015, and then back with the Medical Support Squadron, 81st Medical Group, from February 2015 to June 2017. SSgt Holley served with the Medical Operations Squadron, 81st Medical Group, from June 2017 to March 2019, and with the Medical Support Squadron, 81st Medical Group, from March 2019 to May 2021. Her final assignment was as a Medical Admin Specialist with the Health Care Operations Squadron at Keesler Medical Center from May 2021 until she left active duty in February 2023.

Her Air Force Commendation Medal Citation reads:

Staff Sergeant Heather R. Holley distinguished herself by meritorious service as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Uniform Business Office, Resource Management Office, 81st Medical Support Squadron, 81st Medical Group, 81st Training Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. During this period, Sergeant Holley oversaw the Group's Third Party Collection program, performing monthly audits and validating 3.6 thousand records, recouping 3 million dollars in other health insurance. Her keen attention to detail led to her selection for the Drive-Up Coronavirus Clinic team, enrolling 6.6 thousand patients for screening, which was key to the success of the high-visibility operation. Additionally, as the Group's Temporary Duty Assignment Manager, Sergeant Holley led 85 approving and reviewing officials, ensuring on-time payment of 600 thousand dollars for critical mission travel. Furthermore, she supported Keesler's Basic Training initiative, coordinating temporary duty assignments of nine Student Health members, ensuring medical readiness for 1.2 thousand trainees. Finally, Sergeant Holley's commitment to excellence was integral to Keesler Medical Center's 2019 Air Education and Training Command Best Hospital of the Year Award, and her flight winning Air Education and Training Command's 2020 Resource Management Office Team of the Year. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Holley reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.