MADISON MARSH: THE FIRST ACTIVE-DUTY USAF OFFICER TO WIN MISS AMERICA


By bblouin
U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, prepares for her familiarization flight at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 19, 2023.

2Lt. Madison Marsh proudly represents her country in the U.S. Air Force (USAF). Now, she is further representing the U.S. as the 2024 Miss America winner. As the first active duty Officer in the Air Force to win the pageant, the honor comes after Madison Marsh won Miss Colorado. Now, this astrophysicist is actively raising awareness about pancreatic cancer in honor of her mother. This is all while balancing an impressive course load and her duties defending our freedoms around the globe. Suggested read: Michael A. Grinston Has Officially Been Named As New AER Director

Madison Marsh Is Your 2024 Miss America

Miss America has been crowned! U.S. Air Force Officer Madison Marsh is officially the 2024 winner. The 22-year-old claimed the title after winning Miss Colorado on May 27, 2023, at The PACE Center, succeeding the 2023 winner, Grace Stanke. Lt. Marsh is quite impressive, as she is currently working on her Master’s while handling a host of additional responsibilities, including national defense. Marsh was one of five finalists chosen from 11 semi-finalists, ultimately beating the field representing all states and the District of Columbia. Not to be confused with the Miss USA competition, winners help provide educational opportunities and raise awareness for certain causes. In short, there are four rounds of pageant competition:

  • A fitness showcase
  • A hot topics discussion round
  • The talent performance
  • An evening gown presentation

Finalists then spoke about what they hope to achieve as Miss America. During a discussion on drugs in America, Madison Marsh shared her mother Whitney’s 2018 battle with pancreatic cancer.

Becoming an Advocate for Pancreatic Cancer

Since 1989, it has been a requirement of Miss America to present her platform. This has relation to the winner's contribution after the contest. Furthermore, sharing a platform also helps with scholarships and additional crown-related duties. Madison Marsh continually pushes herself and science to new boundaries. However, it was her mother’s battle with cancer that guided her cause as the 2024 Miss America winner. The American Cancer Society reports that about 50,550 people die each year from pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, Marsh’s mother was one of these individuals. Accordingly, Madison is using this year to raise cancer awareness. If you are looking to get involved and help with Marsh’s cause, you can get involved with Whitney’s Race. Organized by The Whitney Marsh Foundation Inc., the non-profit is in honor of Madison’s mother working to help improve survival rates of pancreatic cancer. Related read: Def. Sec. Lloyd Austin Dealing With Prostate Cancer Complications

Madison Marsh Represents the Best In America

From getting her pilot’s license at 16 to taking over the pageant world all these years later, Madison Marsh, the Miss Colorado turned Miss America winner, continues to push herself into new experiences. Clearly, she is succeeding along the way. Winning contests is one thing, but to do so with a limited background in the pageant world, is a great success. The real cherry on top, however, is Marsh’s commitment to defend our nation against whatever may come while also advocating to improve the health of all of us. The USAF and the U.S. Space Force (USSF) will continue to keep America safe from threats on Earth and in the cosmos. Undoubtedly, Madison Marsh is paving the way for future women. Furthermore, her accomplishments remind us that the future of our defense is in great hands. Read next: Ibogaine Findings by Stanford University Show Promise for Veterans


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