News this morning of the growing tragedy of veterans suicide with a reported 21 suicides already in 2017. With love and thoughts to all families and friends caught in this growing tragedy it also signals a further tragic milestone. In 2016 one veteran suicided every FIVE days. So far in 2017 one veteran is suiciding every FOUR days. This rate of suicide among veterans (incl. ADF members) now matches the rate Australian troops were killed in action during the Vietnam War. This got us thinking about the investment made to 'protect' current servicing members vs the efforts to protect vulnerable veterans. The level of investment in (self) protection measures for ADF members is very high and targeted to the threat; training, helmets, ballistic vests, boots and other personal equipment. Beyond this inner layer of protection there is an outer layer too; counter IED measures, communications, unit members and other supporting units etc. For veterans the levels of protections exist but the evidence is now clear they are ineffective for all the threats veterans face. The medical model works well for those who present as sick. But the stigma attached to seeking help for mental health concerns is a strong barrier. A recent conversation with an organization that makes protective equipment for ADF members highlighted how 'trendy' it is for the troops to wear their helmets, body armour, metaphorical shield etc. Being trendy overcomes any stigma and results in a greater level of protection. How can we make the support mechanisms for veterans 'trendy'? We have an idea...! The arts feature in every culture that has ever existed. The arts are trendy. Art is for everyone, and everyone will be attracted to something in the arts. Facilitated in an arts in wellbeing framework the arts offers a layer of protection that overcomes stigma and could just well be the 'shield' our veterans need; that important layer of defence as part of the broader protection network to get the right help before it is too late. Please listen to US Marine Corps Captain Jason Burner talk about art and his shield.