Former Gitmo official to head veteran site

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Former Guantanamo Bay detention center director Rick Baccus says he has been chosen to be the administrator of the Rhode Island Veterans Home.

The former head of the U.S. detention site in Cuba said after his long history serving the U.S. military, he is proud to be taking care of his fellow veterans at the facility in Bristol, R.I., The Providence (R.I.) Journal reported Monday.

"As a veteran, one day I could be here myself," Baccus said. "My primary goal is to make sure the veterans here get the best care they can receive."

State Rep. Kenneth Carter said the 56-year-old retired brigadier general was the ideal person for the position at the veterans center, which was the target of a Rhode Island House of Representatives special commission probe more than a year ago.

"He has the financial background to run the place, he's a take-charge guy and I'm happy he's there," the House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman said.

The Journal said the inquiry into the Rhode Island facility, which houses nearly 230 U.S. veterans, came after complaints of administrative problems there.