Why November Matters:
Celebrating Our Military Families, Veterans, and Partners
By: James Thornbrugh, President, Magellan Federal
November is a meaningful month for those connected to our nation’s military. It’s a time to recognize and honor the service, sacrifice, and strength of military families, veterans, and the federal employees who support them. At Magellan Federal, these observances, including National Veterans & Military Families Month, Warrior Care Month, and National Veterans Small Business Week, reflect the very heart of our mission: to serve those who serve.
For decades, Magellan Federal has worked alongside the Department of Defense/War and federal agencies to deliver sensitive, mission-critical health and wellness programs. Whether it’s mental health support, resilience training, or helping families stay strong through the ups and downs, our work is about taking care of the people behind the mission. Every day, we see the dedication of those who serve and support our country, and we’re proud to be in their corner.
Supporting Families, Strengthening Readiness
Military life isn’t easy. Between deployments, constant moves, and the stress that comes with it all, families carry a lot. That’s why our counselors, coaches, and program staff are here—to help service members and their families navigate life’s challenges and build resilience.
Through evidence-based practices and human-centered care, we empower families to thrive, not just endure, the demands of military life. Our work in programs such as Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) and Family Advocacy Program (FAP) demonstrates our commitment to strengthening readiness and supporting wellbeing at every stage in military life.
Resource highlight: Supporting Active-Duty Mothers & Their Transition Back into the Workforce
Honoring Veterans and Their Next Chapter
Transitioning out of the military can be tough, and every veteran’s path looks a little different. At Magellan Federal, we’re here to help, with support for mental health, job readiness, and whatever comes next. We don’t just step in for the handoff; we stay in it with them.
We are proud to work alongside partners like the US Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans receive the right support at the right time.
Resource highlight: Beyond the Uniform – Resiliency Through the Lens of Transition
Advancing Whole-Person Wellness Through Innovation
We’re always working to do better for the people we serve. That means using our clinical know-how, learning from the data, and making the most of technology, so our care is not only smart, but genuinely supportive. Whether supporting a deployed service member overseas or a civilian professional managing stress at home, our goal is the same: to promote whole-person wellness and mission readiness.
Through programs like Worklife Wellness and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services, we extend this care to federal civilians and their families, supporting stress management, resilience, and overall mission readiness.
Resource highlight: Workplace Wellness for Veterans – Supporting Mental Health Through Federal EAP
Built on Partnership, Focused on Impact
Our impact is multiplied through partnership. We work hand-in-hand with federal agencies, small businesses, and community and nonprofit organizations to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned solutions that serve those who serve.
This spirit of collaboration was recently recognized when Magellan Federal was named a 2025 Military Friendly® Gold Employer, earning multiple Top 10 distinctions, including #1 Supplier Diversity Program, Top 10 Military Friendly® Spouse Employer, and Top 10 Military Friendly® Brand.
Resource highlight: Military Friendly® company profile
Honoring Every Form of Service
As we reflect this November, we’re reminded that service takes many forms. Some wear the uniform. Others serve behind the scenes, supporting readiness, healing, and resilience in quiet but vital ways. At Magellan Federal, we’re honored to stand among them, committed to advancing the well-being of those who protect our nation and its ideals.
Because serving those who serve isn’t just our mission. It’s our purpose.
Read More: Magellan Federal, Human-First Solutions for Mission Readiness in Aerospace & Defense Review.
James Thornbrugh is the president of Magellan Federal. In this leadership role, James continues to expand Magellan’s reach and impact in the Federal behavioral health industry by delivering solutions for military personnel and the Federal workforce. James brings with him over 27 years of experience in the mental health field, with 17 of those years spent in behavioral health management.
Previously, James served as vice president of the military counseling division where James and his team focused on defining strategic objectives around timely and effective counseling services and mission engagement.
James first joined Magellan in 2008. He has received his Master of Education for Mental Health Counseling from Lincoln University of Missouri, and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Culver-Stockton College.