This footage was filmed and produced 19 December 2023.

Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss Colorado and an active-duty Air Force officer, is set to create history by competing for the Miss America title this weekend. The 22-year-old, who recently graduated from the Air Force Academy with a degree in physics, will be the first active-duty Air Force officer to vie for the coveted Miss America crown.

Marsh, balancing military service as a second lieutenant, pursuing a master's degree in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and preparing for the national beauty pageant, expressed her excitement about bringing together her military and pageant experiences. She aims to inspire others to break limitations and discover their passions.

The journey for this modern-day "Top Gun" pilot began with childhood dreams of obtaining a pilot's license. After joining the Air Force Academy, Marsh explored pageants as an extracurricular activity, ultimately winning the Miss Colorado crown just three years later. Her unique position as an active-duty officer on the national stage sets a precedent in the Miss America organization.

While her future holds promising possibilities, Marsh envisions a career in cancer research, inspired by the loss of her mother to pancreatic cancer. Reflecting on her studies at the Kennedy School, she aims to delve into policy-making to address issues hindering the implementation of comprehensive cancer policies for all Americans.