The Books
“Wonder Women”
In Wonder Women: The Untold Stories of Female Veterans, Susan L. Combs shares powerful, firsthand accounts of resilience and sacrifice. Written in their own voices, each chapter follows a different female Veteran through the raw realities of service—from boot camp and high-stakes deployments to the journey of coming
home, healing, and rebuilding.
“Pancakes for Roger”
In Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons — a series of quick, straightforward snapshots delivered with no fluff and a whole lot of heart — Susan L. Combs offers lessons from her father, Roger, and others so that you can lean on them, too, as you set out to slay your own dragons.
About Susan
Susan L Combs launched her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, founding Combs & Company at the age of 26. A staunch supporter of women, she herself made history as the youngest ever National President (2014–2015) of Women in Insurance & Financial Services. Along the way, Susan’s story took on a new dimension with a request that had nothing to do with business—her father, the late Major General Roger E. Combs, simply asked for pancakes. That humble ask became a powerful metaphor: a reminder that life can change in an instant and that there is always something to be grateful for, even in the hardest moments. That moment sparked a movement.
In 2018, Susan turned that metaphor into momentum, launching fundraising efforts for the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic, where she also sits on the Advisory Board. Since then, Pancakes for Roger has expanded to raise thousands of dollars annually to support the Clinic’s work on behalf of Veterans in need of legal care and advocacy. The nonprofit has expanded to include the Major General Roger E. Combs Endowment Scholarship, a Veteran Housing Support Fund, Community Partnerships, Direct Veteran and Family Support, and more.
Susan L. Combs has learned the lesson, “nobody gets anywhere alone,” many times over, and she’s held onto the advice that has guided her on her journey—one that’s taken her from a tiny town in Missouri to the hustle of New York City.
She’s faced immense grief and fostered immense growth, personally and professionally. Through it all, she leaned on guidance from mentors in her life.
One of those key mentors was her father, Roger. He wore many hats: as a judge, a veteran and Two-Star Major General, a leader in his community, a loving husband . . . and one hell of a dad.
Though he passed away in 2018, his legacy lives on in Pancakes for Roger and beyond, as a portion of the proceeds from both books benefit the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic in his honor.
“During the course of our busy lives, it’s far too easy to take our friends and loved ones for granted. This book, in the form of a love letter from a daughter to her dad, is a timely nudge to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Filled with funny aphorisms, heartfelt stories, and plenty of sound advice, it’s a wonderful reminder to never forget the parts of life that matter most.”
— Paul Wilson Editor-in-Chief, BenefitsPRO
What People Are Saying
“I never met Roger, I wish that I had, but I know Roger. From hearing stories Susan tells to reading this book, I know him very well. These are many of the same lessons I learned as a new lieutenant in the US Marine Corps and that I passed on as an old greybeard nearing retirement. I also wish that I had this book as a young father. I did not pass on these lessons to my girls nearly as eloquently as Roger did. Semper Fi, Give A Shit!”
— Aaron Eckerberg, LtCol, USMC Ret, Purple Fox 2008-2010
“Susan is phenomenal; the mark and learnings from her dad are truly the perspectives you'd hope to have after living a very full life. We need more books like Pancakes for Roger in this world. I'm hooked on the Syrup and definitely recommend buying this book!”
— Morgan Mitchell, Mentee & Breast Cancer Advocate
“Pancakes for Roger serves up much more than a hearty breakfast. It's the advice we may need to hear - in good times and bad - told from the perspective of a man who accomplished so much in life, serving his country in war and serving his state as a judge. You'll find stories that will move you to be your best and to be the positive influence your family and friends need as well.”