Arkansas State Visit

Gale Markley, Arkansas State Regent

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth, enthusiasm, and the true spirit of service that defines the Arkansas Daughters. State Regent Gale Markley’s theme, “A journey of service should always lead you home,” was beautifully reflected throughout the conference, which saw its largest attendance since 2019. A particularly moving moment was the Friday evening banquet, where Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women’s Memorial, made a surprise appearance to help honor Junelle Mongno’s remarkable service to our country and DAR. I am grateful to State Regent Gale Markley for her warmth and hospitality, Nancy Bartlett for coordinating transportation, and all who made this conference so memorable—thank you for welcoming me home!

- Pamela Wright, President General


The 117th Arkansas Society State Conference was held March 27-28, 2025, in Little Rock. State Regent Gale Markley’s theme for 2025-2028, “A journey of service should always lead you home” was brought to fruition at the conference with the visit of distinguished conference guest, President General Pamela Wright. Mrs. Wright spent much of her childhood and college years in Arkansas. Arkansas Daughters were excited to welcome her back home with our largest attendance since 2019!

The conference was changed to a two-day format in 2025. It was fast paced, but effective. Thursday kicked off with meetings, activities, and a guest tour of the Arkansas Old State House Museum, which houses the Arkansas Society period room. On Thursday evening, ASDAR State American History Essay winners, Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School winner, DAR Good Citizen runner up and winner, state scholarship winners, and the Outstanding Teacher American History Teacher were recognized. We were honored to have all our student winners present. They were joined by parents, grandparents, teachers, and administrators to celebrate their outstanding achievements.

On Friday morning, Mrs. Wright joined other conference guests on a tour of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. Guests joined members for lunch, with President General Wright, being our keynote speaker. Mrs. Wright honored new member Tracy Hile for her membership and dedication to ASDAR. Honorary French Consul of France, Beatrice Moore, 2024 National Endowment of the Arts winner, Pat Johnson, and W. Danny Honnoll, SAR past state president and longtime DAR advocate, were also honored. President General Wright became the inaugural recipient of The Heart of Arkansas award. 

Arkansas Daughters pulled off an epic surprise for Junelle Mongno, Reporter General at the Friday night banquet. Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women’s Memorial, was our surprise guest to help honor Junelle’s journey of service to our country, ASDAR and NSDAR. At the end of Mrs. Wilson’s program, chapter regents and individuals from across the state stood and pledged funds to purchase square footage of the Memorial all in honor of Junelle Mongno. 

Election results for new state officers were announced for the 2025-2028 term and installed. State Regent-Elect, Charline Manning and State Vice Regent-Elect, Christina Twardowski will be installed at the 134th Continental Congress in June. The conference was adjourned at the end of the evening.

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