Master Gunnery Sergeant Raul Caldera was born in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1994 having completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in December that same year. After graduation from basic training, Private First Class Caldera attended the Naval School of Music Basic Course in Virginia Beach, VA. Following the basic course, Lance Corporal Caldera returned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA where he served as instrumentalist and Saxophone Section Leader. In February 1999 he was transferred to Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA where he served as Saxophone Section Leader and Chief Librarian.

In September 2001, Sergeant Caldera was transferred to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA where he served as Woodwind Group Leader and Platoon Sergeant. In February of 2003, Sergeant Caldera deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed he served as Deputy Camp Commandant, Camp Sledd, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron Three, Third Marine Aircraft Wing. Staff 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 2006, he received orders to the Unit Leaders Course at the Naval School of Music. Upon graduation, he reported to the Third Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Small Ensemble Leader and Bandmaster.

In November 2009, Gunnery Sergeant Caldera received the Marine Corps Staff Noncommissioned Officer Musician of the Year award. In October 2017, Master Gunnery Sergeant Caldera reported to Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Camp Smith, HI, where he served as Officer in Charge and Bandmaster. In March 2020, he reported to the Pentagon, Arlington, VA where he served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor, Marine Corps Fleet Bands. In August 2022, Master Gunnery Sergeant Caldera returned to the 1st Marine Division Band where he currently serves as Bandmaster. 

Master Gunnery Sergeant Caldera’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, gold star in lieu of second award; the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, gold star in lieu of fourth award; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; and the Good Conduct Medal, silver star in lieu of ninth award.