MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- February is a short month with a long and rich history, and this year it brings with it 29 days of "hallowed ground," the theme of Mountain Home AFB's 2016 Black History Month.

Mountain Home AFB's Black Heritage Committee is coming in full-force this year to provide a plethora of educational, experiential and entertaining events which recognize the contributions and achievements African-Americans have had throughout American history.

"We're more active and dedicated this year," said Staff Sgt. Sylvia Smith, the Special Observance and Black History Committees' president.

Some of the events include free screenings of the films "Selma" and "Red Tails" on the 13th at 1 p.m. at the Mountain Home movie theater, a food tasting on Feb. 26th at 11:30 a.m. at the base Youth Center, and volunteers reading to children at Mountain Home schools throughout the month.

Smith is most looking forward to the influential leader panel, scheduled for the 19th, where airmen stationed at Mountain Home will share their stories of accomplishment and inspiration in a question-and-answer style format.

"I love hearing what people have gone through and how they've gotten to where they are," Smith said.

While the focus of February is typically on the achievements of African-Americans, Smith says there's something for all backgrounds to celebrate and gain from the month.

"At the end of the day we all share our American heritage, and the experience from learning from our similarities and differences is enriching," Smith said.

Keep an eye on the Mountain Home AFB facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mountainhome.af.mil, for specific dates and times as they become available.