Jackson Keeps Things in Perspective

There’s no hiding the perilous path already traveled by Anthony Jackson or the obstacles that lay ahead for the senior receiver from Cypress High.

His parents separated soon after his birth, and family disputes resulted in him living with his mother and later in foster and group homes.

Three years ago, he moved in with his father. But just as they were reconnecting, his father last month was sent to Iraq, where, Jackson said, he is riding atop a Humvee armed with a machine gun.

As Jackson attends school, plays football and tries to deal not only with the issues facing most 17-year-olds, but with his own personal struggles, the fact that he’s coping, enduring and even prospering is the finest example of intestinal fortitude and inspiration.

“I try so hard not to let it mess with me because it’s just going to make me mad,” he said. “I need to handle what I need to handle.”

It was the most stunning sight a week ago during the homecoming rally at Cypress, where his football teammates chose Jackson to speak before the student body. He proceeded to talk about character, discipline and work ethic, all qualities stressed by his coach, Ray Fenton.

“To see him mature in the last year and a half is really what it’s all about,” Fenton said.

Jackson’s father, Robert, came home to Cypress on leave after training and watched his son return a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown against Bellflower on Sept. 15. The next day, Robert left for his assignment in Iraq, where he is attached to the First Battalion 185th armor of the California National Guard.

Anthony said he hasn’t heard from him since.

“It’s hard,” he said. “The thing is, I know what I’m supposed to do. I’m supposed to handle what I have to do and make sure he’s not worrying about me to keep his head clear. That’s why I’m trying to keep my grades up.”

Robert was a sporting goods salesman. He was given a party before he left for his year-long tour of duty, and Anthony gave him a final toast.

“It was about how we’ve been through a lot, and this is another battle to overcome, and how we need to stick together one more time,” he said.

Across the country, teenagers whose fathers or mothers are soldiers and have been sent overseas because of war are left with fear and uncertainty. They turn to family members, friends, teachers and coaches for support.

Jackson lives with his stepmother in a rented house. He said he watches cable television news every morning and night, seeking information on Iraq while trying to learn about government decisions.

Meanwhile, he’s trying to savor life as a high school senior. He leads Cypress with 13 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns. He is 6 feet 3 and 185 pounds and has speed and toughness. He’ll probably attend a junior college next year.

Cypress is 6-1 and under Fenton, a second-year coach, has had its football program turned around. But more important is what Fenton has been passing on to his players.

“I consider him a second father,” Jackson said of his coach. “He teaches us how to conduct ourselves. Everywhere we go, our manners should follow us. He’s teaching us character.”

Because of who he is, where he has come from and what he must deal with, Jackson has a different perspective on life as he walks around campus.

“I don’t consider some of the drama that goes on in high school,” he said. “Compared to what I used to have, it’s nothing.”

Jackson is a survivor, someone who has never stopped seeking a better life despite the misfortune dealt his way through the years.

Football is helping him enjoy several hours a day of fun and games, but if truth be told, he can’t stop wondering what’s happening to his father thousands of miles away.

“It does affect me every day,” he said.

Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com