US Air Force Officer Madison Marsh Becomes First Active-Duty Winner Of Miss America 2024

In a groundbreaking moment, Second Lt. Madison Marsh, an officer in the U.S. Air Force, was crowned Miss America, marking the first time an active-duty service member has clinched this prestigious title, as confirmed by the Air Force.

Representing the Air Force Academy

Hailing from Colorado, the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Marsh proudly represented her state in the pageant. Her academic background is just as impressive, having graduated from the academy with a degree in physics, according to details provided in her Miss Colorado biography.

A Pageant Enthusiast

Marsh’s foray into pageantry began during her time at the Air Force Academy. Inspired by her cousin, who had a longstanding involvement in pageants, Marsh was drawn to the community service aspect and the focus on public speaking that these competitions offered. In an interview with the Air Force Institute of Technology in November, Marsh highlighted the values she cherished within the pageant community.

Philanthropy and Personal Loss

Since 2018, Marsh has been actively involved in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. She co-founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation with her father and sister in honor of her mother, who succumbed to the disease. Through events like 5K and 10K runs in her hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas, the foundation has successfully raised over a quarter-million dollars.

A Scholarly Pursuit

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the pageant world, Marsh is continuing her academic journey. Despite her Miss America commitments, she has enrolled as a graduate student at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School. Pursuing a master’s degree in public policy, Marsh is poised to make a significant impact beyond the runway, bringing her dedication to service into the realm of public policy.