1776Reporting
Madison Marsh, a 23-year-old Arkansas native, made history as the first active-duty Air Force officer to win the prestigious Miss America title. With her win, Marsh hopes to inspire others, proving that individuality and ambition can coexist in spaces traditionally seen as rigid, like the military.
During her appearance on Fox & Friends, Marsh reflected on her journey and the impact she’s had on those around her. Sharing a pivotal moment, she recalled meeting a cadet and her mother at the Air Force Academy.
“They told me that she was really on the fence and didn’t think she was going to go to the Air Force Academy and accept her appointment,” Marsh explained. “And she saw me win, and she realized she didn’t have to sacrifice parts of her personality in order to join the military. I thought that was so special.”
A Historic Year for Miss America and the Military
Marsh acknowledged that 2024 marked a year of growth for both the Miss America organization and the military. It wasn’t just about breaking records but also about learning important lessons.
“Both organizations were doing something very new, and we had a lot of lessons learned,” she said. “But I think more importantly, the personal lessons learned, the ability to show people that everyone has a story to tell. Everybody has the ability to impact and inspire others if you choose to share your voice.”
Beyond her historic win, Marsh revealed how personal experiences, such as losing her mother to pancreatic cancer in 2018, shaped her perspective. Balancing her demanding roles with the grief of losing a loved one made her realize the importance of living authentically.
“It really comes down to you have the freedom to choose whatever you want to do with your life,” she said. “I chose to do a path where I wanted to serve my country in the Air Force, but I also wanted to serve them in other ways by working with pancreatic cancer patients.”
Finding Fulfillment Through Passion
Marsh’s journey to Miss America wasn’t just about the crown—it was about growth. In an op-ed for USA Today, she shared her reasons for entering pageants while attending the Air Force Academy. For her, it was a chance to improve her public speaking and take a break from the strict military lifestyle. But winning opened doors she hadn’t anticipated.
“I think I did something simpler, yet maybe more meaningful: I provided hope to a generation of young people,” Marsh wrote. “I provided hope for those who have lofty goals but feel limited by their perception of what ‘type’ of person they are.”
For Marsh, success isn’t about chasing accolades. Instead, it’s about finding purpose and surrounding yourself with positivity. “When you choose to do what you love, success is going to follow, so you can stop chasing different accolades or what people want you to do and truly just find good people to surround yourself with,” she said.
WATCH: FIRST ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBER WINS 2024 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT
Lessons on Living Fully
Through her achievements, Marsh has become an example of living life with purpose. Losing her mom at a young age has been a grounding force in her journey. It reminds her to focus on what truly matters.
“Life is too short to waste on things that do not fulfill us,” she wrote. “Quit what does not fulfill you. Let go of what does not matter. I did not compete for Miss America to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I loved the process. I loved the challenge. I loved how it pushed me to grow in unexpected ways.”
Marsh’s message is clear: you don’t have to sacrifice who you are to achieve your goals. Instead, embrace your uniqueness, find joy in the process, and focus on what fulfills you. Whether it’s serving your country or chasing your dreams, the only limit is the effort you’re willing to put in.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings