In her early teens, Madison Marsh attended a space camp and met several astronauts. “I just fell in love with the idea of being the first woman on Mars,” she said. So she took flying lessons at age 15 and joined the Air Force Academy to work toward her goal. She loved the thrill of flying and became an Air Force officer. When Marsh, 22, was crowned Miss America in January, she became the first Miss America to also be an active duty member of the military.
She hopes her win will show people that you can achieve anything you set your heart to, and that women can embrace their feminine and strong sides in the service of others. “I love being able to lead others and serve in something that’s bigger than just me,” she said.
![Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh poses in front of a glider at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in December 2023, shortly before her Miss America win. (Adalyn Greene)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F23%2Fid5673768-8200044-1200x801.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
![Ms. Marsh prepares for her familiarization flight at the Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. (William R. Lewis)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F23%2Fid5673767-8182045-1200x798.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Q&A with Madison Marsh
American Essence: How do you plan to use your platform as Miss America?
Ms. Marsh: The most important role for me this year as Miss America is to support research on pancreatic cancer on a national level. My mom was Whitney Marsh. She died of pancreatic cancer when she was only 41 years old. There were just 9 months between her diagnosis and her death. My national level goals include diversifying the ways we raise money and lobbying for legislation to get early detection standards implemented nationwide.
On the days that I feel down and not motivated, I think of my mom. If she can get up and make herself go run 10 miles after recovering from chemo treatment after chemo treatment, then I can get up. I feel lucky that I still get to be here.”AE: What does the pageant mean to you?
Ms. Marsh: The first Miss America was in 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I think a lot of people might say that pageants are very superficial, but the Miss America organization is so much more than looks. The Miss America opportunity is about scholarship: they’re one of the largest providers of scholarships anywhere in the world. They are about leadership and community service.![Ms. Marsh cheers on competitors at the Big Hoopla STEM Challenge basketball<br/>game in Dayton, Ohio, on March 19, 2024. (Miriam Thurber)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F23%2Fid5673769-8308588-option2-1200x1121.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
game in Dayton, Ohio, on March 19, 2024. Miriam Thurber
![Ms. Marsh with an Air Force colleague. Ms. Marsh is currently working on her master’s degree in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. (William R. Lewis)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F23%2Fid5673765-8182039-1200x798.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Fun Facts About Madison Marsh
Hometown: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Position in the Air Force: Second lieutenant
Duties at the Air Force: Public affairs, recruitment efforts
Miss America credentials: Representing Colorado
![Ms. Marsh reacts to her win, at the ceremony held at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla. (Courtesy of Miss America)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2F23%2Fid5673764-IMG_2487-1200x800.jpg&w=1200&q=75)