Audio engineering welcomes Vetted: A band of veterans inspiring through music and mentorship

San Jacinto College recently had the privilege of hosting Vetted, a band comprised of wounded warriors and military veterans, on the Central Campus as they recorded new music with the College’s audio engineering technology program.

Andrew Fiddler, professor of audio engineering, got connected with the band through a mutual friend.

“I think bringing a band like Vetted to campus provides something tangible that our students can latch on to in order to better prepare them for real world scenarios,” said Fiddler. “I was fortunate to experience a recording session like this early on in my musical journey, and it inspired me to pursue a career in the recording industry. Most of our students have not had that opportunity, so I think providing that experience here at San Jac is something that makes our program special.”

The band’s visit to San Jac reflects their commitment to creating music with meaning, all while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of music professionals. Vetted recorded with Fiddler and his students in San Jac’s state-of-the-art facilities providing hands-on learning with professional musicians, a priceless experience for those enrolled in the program.

“I had a great time working with Vetted. They were very welcoming and professional; it gave me a good glimpse at how it can be to work with bands in the field,” said Angie Flores, audio engineering student. “During the sessions I found it interesting how they were able to communicate with each other to get their artistic ideas out. They had good chemistry with one another and that made the process run smoother.”

The band's lineup includes founding member and drummer Paul DeLacerda, lead guitarist and vocalist Slade Deliberto, guitarist PJ Pennington, bass guitarist John Patrick Quinlan Clevenger, and rapper and backing vocalist Kristen Michael Park. The diversity in their backgrounds enriches their music, blending genres and experiences into a cohesive sound.

Vetted is more than a band; they are a voice for the veteran community, raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health challenges faced by veterans. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the band funds its tours and projects through donations. This charitable model ensures that their mission remains the focus, allowing them to play for those who need their message the most, free of charge.

The band's mission also includes suicide prevention training, and substance abuse programs through military and civilian partnerships. The members of Vetted are committed to supporting and empowering their fellow warriors, highlighting the importance of unwavering support and understanding during the challenging transition to civilian life.

“All of us have lost a lot of friends through suicide—not just military. Life can be hard for everybody at any point, so we try to connect through music and share that message,” DeLiberto said. “We're not just singing about it—we've lived it.”

Vetted primarily performs at military installations, often as part of USO events, spreading their message directly to active-duty service members. At their historic performance at Fleet Week Miami, they became first band to play aboard the USS Bataan's flight deck. Vetted also collaborates with organizations like Alabama Power and Georgia Power to support veteran hiring initiatives.

One of the band’s newest ventures involves co-writing music with members of the rock band Three Days Grace. This collaboration began serendipitously when Vetted members attended a meet-and-greet and formed a bond with the band. Their shared passion for music and advocacy for mental health blossomed into a partnership, leading to co-written songs and joint performances.

“All these opportunities, like working with Three Days Grace or playing Fleet Week Miami, just seem to come from the universe,” DeLiberto said. “We don’t push too hard; we just try to show up and do everything we can.”

With new singles in the works, Vetted continues to grow as artists and advocates. As they take their message across the country, performing and collaborating, they serve as an inspiration for veterans and civilians alike, proving that even in the face of adversity, music can connect and change lives.

Music is our tool to send a message of resilience and hope to anyone struggling. It's bigger than us—it's about making a difference.

Learn more about the audio engineering program