Make Michigan Voices Matter

Combat Veteran • Healthcare Leader • Working Mother

I'm not a politician, but I am running as a candidate for US Senate from Michigan. Michigan needs leaders who understand the priorities of Michiganders and who will listen to all voices, not just the ones they agree with.

Learn About Rachel See Her Platform

A Different Kind of Leader

I'm Rachel Howard, and I am not a politician. I'm a combat veteran who served our country for 14 years and a healthcare leader who has dedicated her career to helping others. I understand the real challenges facing Michigan families and the need to enact change on their behalf.

As one of only 500 females ever to receive the Purple Heart, I've served in Iraq and Afghanistan, worked as an EMT in metro Detroit, and led groundbreaking research at the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to make the same impossible choice so many Michigan families face: struggling between career and children when childcare became unavailable. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges families navigate every day.

My service is not yet over. I'm running for US Senate because Michigan needs a fresh look at getting things done.

Research & Publications

Rachel's evidence-based approach to healthcare policy is grounded in peer-reviewed research and published expertise in veterans' health and respiratory medicine.

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Policy Analysis

"The VA is not waste, it's a lifeline"

Government Executive Magazine, March 2025

Rachel's policy analysis on VA healthcare efficiency and the importance of maintaining robust veterans' services funding.

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Peer-Reviewed Research

"Post-Deployment Respiratory Health in Military Veterans"

Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 2022

Groundbreaking research on respiratory health impacts for veterans returning from deployment, informing clinical care protocols.

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Clinical Research

"Long-term Respiratory Impacts of Deployment Exposures"

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2023

Clinical study findings on long-term health impacts, directly informing veteran healthcare policy and treatment approaches.

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Research Impact

Rachel's published work has directly influenced VA clinical protocols and veteran healthcare policy. Her research on post-deployment respiratory health led to the creation of specialized clinics and improved treatment protocols for thousands of veterans nationwide.

A Lifetime of Service

From the battlefield to the research lab, Rachel has dedicated her life to serving others and solving complex problems.

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Combat Veteran

Served as Combat Medic in Michigan Army National Guard (2005-2019). Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Purple Heart recipient. Medical retirement after 14 years of dedicated service.

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Healthcare Leader

EMT in metro Detroit, clinical researcher at Henry Ford Health, and Research Health Science Specialist at VA (2021-2025). Created one of the only Post-Deployment Respiratory Health specialty clinics in the country.

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Educated Leader

Master's Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University with focus on leadership and systems change. Master's Degree in Public Health from George Washington University.