Chef John Strand At only age 17 Strand entered the U.S. Army with ambitions to be the next General MacArthur. Serving his country for 24 years, Strand had a solid career established. But John had other passions rising up inside him. Food, cooking and the artistry of making someone smile when the two were put together and he knew this would be the next chapter in his life. Upon Strand's retirement he took his in-home restaurant alternative ideas and settled in the Shreveport & Bossier City, Louisiana area and in 2006 Accents Personal Chef Service was born.