Master Sergeant Caldera was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Chamberino, New Mexico. Upon graduation from high school,he attended New Mexico State University. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1994, and completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in December that same year. After graduation from basic training, he attended the Naval School of Music Basic Course in Norfolk, Virginia. Following the Basic Course, Master Sergeant Caldera returned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego where he served as an instrumentalist and Saxophone Section Leader. In February 1999, he was transferred to Marine Band New Orleans where he served as an instrumentalist, Saxophone Section Leader and Chief Librarian. In September 2001, he was transferred to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar where he served as Woodwind Section Leader and Platoon Sergeant. In February of 2003, Master Sergeant Caldera deployed to Kuwait in support of operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While deployed, he served as Deputy Camp Commandant, Camp Sledd, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron Three, Third Marine Aircraft Wing. Master Sergeant Caldera deployed a second time in August of 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as assistant Third Marine Aircraft Wing Tactical Air Command Center Guard Chief. In March of 2006, he received orders to the Unit leaders Course at the Armed Forces School of Music and upon graduation reported to the Third Marine Expeditionary Band in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Small Ensemble Leader and Bandmaster. In November 2009, he received the Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year award for 2009. In October of 2009, he joined the Marine Security Guard Program and served as the Detachment Commander for American Embassies Guatemala City, Guatemala and New Delhi, India. In December of 2012, Master Sergeant Caldera reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego where he served as G-3 Chief, MCRD, San Diego and Bandmaster, Marine Band San Diego. In July 2015, Master Sergeant Caldera reported to 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, CA where he currently serves as Bandmaster.

Master Sergeants Caldera’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (second award) and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.