Chris Stroup: Life After Deployment Isn't What People Think | Stroup Knives | The AJ Buckley Show

On this episode of The AJ Buckley Show, AJ sits down with Chris Stroup—U.S. Army veteran, former Army Special Operations soldier, and founder of Stroup Knives, a veteran-owned, family-operated company known for producing American-made survival and tactical knives built for real-world use. After serving 11 years in the Army, including time supporting elite Special Operations units, Chris turned one of the hardest transitions of his life into a mission of purpose by building a business dedicated to craftsmanship, leadership, and supporting fellow veterans.  In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Chris opens up about the unseen challenges of coming home from deployment, navigating life after military service, recovering from career-ending injuries, enduring a difficult divorce, and making the heartbreaking decision to leave the Army. He shares the emotional reality of losing the identity that comes with military service—and how discovering purpose through entrepreneurship helped him rebuild his life. Chris also explains how Stroup Knives has become much more than a knife company. By hiring veterans, creating a strong community, and helping others successfully transition into civilian life, he’s proving that business can become a mission that continues long after the uniform comes off. The conversation explores resilience, leadership, mental health, family, discipline, and what it truly means to serve others beyond the battlefield. Whether you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, first responder, or someone searching for purpose after adversity, this episode delivers an honest look at overcoming life’s toughest chapters and forging a new path forward. Follow Chris Stroup IG: https://www.instagram.com/stroup.knives/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/stroup.knives/ https://stroupknives.com/ Follow AJ Buckley IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajbuckley/ Fb: https://www.facebook.com/AJBuckleyOfficialPage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajbuckleyofficial  Follow AJ Buckley Show IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajbuckleyshow/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ajbuckleyshow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajbuckleyofficial Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aj-buckley-show/id1885802753 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Em0btYFt8QNKJPX2tFJhq https://www.ajbuckley.com Sponsors: http://www.ghostbed.com/buckley  Code word Buckley for 10% off http://aj.purerx.co write "Time to shine" In notes http://www.bornofdiscipline.com #ChrisStroup #ajbuckleyshow #specialoperations Follow AJ IG/FB: ajbuckley Tiktok:ajbuckleyofficial AJ Buckley Show IG/Fb: ajbuckleyshow Tiktok: ajbuckleyshow http://www.ajbuckley.com Sponsors: http://www.ghostbed.com/buckley  Code word Buckley for 10% off http://aj.purerx.co write "Time to shine" In notes http://www.bornofdiscipline.com http://www.totaloffroad.com