Behind the Wings ®
The Podcast – S5, Episode 45

Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, discusses the crossroads of pageantry and the military.

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In this episode, Madi takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty officer to earn the Miss America title. She shares insights into her pilot training, attending the United States Air Force Academy, cancer research, starting a non-profit, and how a military background has influenced her career. This one is going to be cool!

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh
Key Takeaways:
  • Madi has always been fascinated by science and found her love of aerospace while attending space camp at 13 years old.
  • Madi earned her pilot’s license at 17, the youngest possible age.
  • While attending the United States Air Force Academy, Madi studied astrophysics and interned at NASA and Harvard.
  • At the Academy, Madi started her pageantry journey, winning Miss Academy and Miss Colorado.
  • In January of 2024, Madi competed in and won Miss America, becoming the first active military officer to earn the title.
  • Madi started the Whitney Marsh Foundation after losing her Mom to pancreatic cancer. This organization helps provide education and funding for pancreatic cancer research.
  • Madi encourages listeners to learn from their failures and to use those lessons to succeed further.
Resources:
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