Pete Casarez (0015) - Voces Oral History Center

Joanne Sanchez interviews Pete Casarez about his childhood and World War II experiences. Pete recalls playing baseball at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and learning the game from his brothers. He describes his parents' hard work and their move from Mexico to Texas. Pete joined the Navy in 1944 and was stationed in Guam, where he built roads, greased trucks, and drove a truck. He recalls the basic living conditions, the arrival of Japanese soldiers who had been hiding, and the joy of receiving eggs after a year of canned food. After the war, he returned to his job at an optical company in Austin. Pete Casarez shared his journey from working with optometrists in the late 1940s to becoming a skilled optician. He recounted his experiences fitting glasses and serving various clients, including attorneys and governors' wives. Casarez discussed the post-WWII job opportunities for Mexican Americans and the positive impact of the GI Bill on their education. He highlighted his family life, including his marriage in 1948 and the success of his children in diverse fields. Casarez also emphasized the importance of education and community involvement, noting his active role in church and the Catholic War Veterans organization, which supports scholarships and community projects.