Madison Marsh, several months post-graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy, now finds herself busy with a different mission – competing for and then holding the Miss America title. The 22-year-old Arkansas native captured the title of Miss Colorado in May 2023, just before completing her studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) and receiving her commission as an Air Force officer. Achieving the rank of second lieutenant, he simultaneously earned a master’s degree in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.
According to a profile published in November by the Air Education and Training Command, it was during her time at the United States Air Force Academy that Marsh decided she wanted to compete in competitions.
Madison Marsh became the first active-duty Air Force officer to compete in the competition
Madison Marsh defeated 51 contestants representing 50 U.S. states, including the District of Columbia, to win first place in the Miss America pageant. While Madison won the Miss America crown, Ellie Breaux was the first runner-up, Cydney Bridges of Indiana was the second runner-up, Mallory Hudson of Kentucky was the third runner-up and Caroline Parente of Rhode Island was the fourth runner-up. Meanwhile, Miss America 2023 winner Grace Stanke of Wisconsin crowned Madison at the event. Notably, Marsh became the first active-duty Air Force officer to compete in the competition.
Reflecting on her unique journey, Madison Marsh commented in the New York Post, “It’s an awesome experience to bring both sides of the favorite parts of my life together and hopefully make a difference for others to be able to realize that you don’t have to limit yourself,” Marsh previously said about competing in pageants and training with the Air Force. She emphasized her belief that the military provides open space for leadership both in and out of uniform. In her view, winning Miss Colorado exemplifies this and inspires others to pursue their passion without rest.
“When I put on my uniform, I serve and I represent our country,” she told the Harvard Crimson. “When I put on the crown and sash, I’m serving, representing my community.”
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Drawing parallels between her military training and beauty pageant preparations, Marsh acknowledged the usefulness of her physical training in the army.
Marsh is also the co-founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, which she started with her family in honor of her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2018, according to the Miss Colorado website.
Marsh had dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood. Encouraged by his parents, she attended a space camp at the age of 13, where she had the opportunity to interact with astronauts and fighter pilots. At the age of 15, she began learning flying and within two years, she earned his pilot’s license. Beyond her participation in beauty pageants, Madison Marsh envisions her future as a ‘Top Gun’ fighter pilot.
Meanwhile, Madison won the Miss Colorado title last year. She graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2023. The Miss America winner is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. After her victory, the US Air Force posted on X, “Congratulations to our very own #Airman, 2nd Lt Madison Marsh, aka Miss Colorado — who was just crowned @MissAmerica 2024! Marsh is the first active-duty servicemember to ever win the title.”
Congratulations to our very own #Airman, 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, aka Miss Colorado — who was just crowned @MissAmerica 2024! Marsh is the first active duty servicemember to ever win the title.#AimHigh pic.twitter.com/3RuDu5CulW
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) January 15, 2024
