In the News

Dozens from the community came out Friday to celebrate Veterans Day at Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Bakery in Conway.

Julie Goodnight, owner, hosted the event for three years in her new business, but began the annual celebration in 2005 when she worked at Ed’s Bakery on Oak Street.

She said the tradition began after she heard war stories while listening to American Family Radio. She knew both of her grandfathers served in World War II, but realized they never told her any stories about it.

Goodnight said she wanted to figure out a way to put veteran’s stories into writing, giving them a way to share their experiences without having to talk about it because it can be upsetting.

She said she began by having willing veterans fill out a form listing what branch of service they were in, their names and anything else they wanted to write. She said Conway Copies Inc. compiles the stories into a book every year and prints it for free. This year’s book included more than 200 stories.

The event is centered around her core group of regular customers, who Goodnight said have become like family to her.

“They look forward to this day all year long where they can be appreciated and they deserve it,” she said. “Where all the focus is on them and no one else. We do this for them.”

She said doing something for others and expecting nothing in return is a “feel-good” time for her.

“The smile on their face lets me know how much they appreciate it,” she said. “All I can say is they bless us.”

Goodnight said she reached out to the governor and lieutenant governor prior to the event. She said Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin attended the event and Gov. Hutchinson sent hand-written letters to all the World War II veterans that were able to attend. She said Congressman French Hill also attended the event and originally reached out to her first to see if he could join.

She said businesses in the community have also begun to reach out to her and several have donated gifts to the veterans.

“[There are] so many giving businesses that love veterans,” Goodnight said.

She said each year her goal is to top the one before. Having support from the veterans, their family members, her staff and the community is what makes that possible.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “It makes me feel so good. I wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone working together.”

This year was J.C. Hearst’s first time to attend the event. He said he came due to the support of his friend Jerry Heslep, also a veteran.

“He encouraged me to come,” Hearst said.

Heslep said for Goodnight to host the event each year was “nice.”

“We appreciate what the local businesses do for us,” he said.

Ken Baker said he goes to the bakery all the time.

“[Julie] really treats us like we’re special,” he said. “She has a heart for the veterans.”

Baker, who served in the Vietnam War, said when he came back to the U.S. in 1968, people weren’t very appreciative of his or any of his fellow men’s service and they weren’t treated very well.

“So, events like this make [us] feel very appreciated and thankful,” he said.

Baker, who sat at a table with mostly Vietnam War veterans, said they don’t talk about their experiences during the war, but despite that, share a brotherhood and bond because of their service.

He said Goodnight bends over backward for anyone who comes through her door, especially if they are veterans.