Second Lieutenant Madison Marsh has re-entered active service with the US Air Force following her crowning as Miss America 2024.
In a historic achievement, she has become the first active-duty service member to claim victory in the annual Miss America competition, which saw participation from 51 contestants representing all 50 US states.
Marsh, who represented Colorado, is a 22-year-old graduate of the US Air Force Academy with a degree in physics.
Addressing her fellow airmen before a flight from a Nevada Air Force base in December, Marsh expressed her commitment to turning her win into a positive force for the Air Force and everyone involved.
In an interview with the Air Force Institute of Technology in November, Marsh explained her inspiration for participating in pageants, citing her cousin’s involvement and emphasizing the community service and public speaking aspects. She shared her dedication to making a meaningful impact through her newfound platform.
Beyond her achievements, Marsh has also been actively raising awareness for pancreatic cancer research. In honor of her late mother, who succumbed to the disease, she co-founded The Whitney Marsh Foundation with her father and sister.
Marsh highlighted her mother’s resilience, noting her passion for running even during chemotherapy treatments, during a November interview.
