First Sergeant Candelario is a native of Geneva, New York. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 09 September 2003 and attended recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island. Upon completion of recruit training, Private Candelario attended Bravo Company, Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger in January 2004. He was assigned the military occupational specialty 0621, Field Radio Operator. Upon completion of Field Radio Operators Course in March 2004, Private First Class Candelario reported to 3d Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
Shortly after arrival, Private First Class Candelario deployed for the first time with B Battery in the spring of 2004 to Al Asad, Iraq in support of OIF II serving as security, guarding the entry control point on base.
Upon return, Lance Corporal Candelario transferred to H&S Battery for service as a radio operator. He then volunteered to become an individual augment for the I MEF deployment to Camp Victory Kuwait in January 2006, participating in OIF II again. Here he served as the radio operator in the Combat Operations Center assisting in sending and receiving Marines to and from Iraq.
Once Corporal Candelario returned home, he redeployed to Al Asad, Iraq with his parent command, 3d LAAD Battalion, serving as the senior radio operator in the Combat Operations Center in late 2006 to spring 2007.
In September 2007, Sergeant Candelario volunteered to go on another deployment to Djibouti, Africa. Because of his proven work ethic and leadership, he was entrusted to be the Senior Watch Officer in the Combat Operations Center.
In June 2008, Sergeant Candelario transferred to The Basic School (TBS) in Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Upon arrival, he taught newly commissioned Second Lieutenants how to properly use a variety of radios in the field and eventually became the Platoon Sergeant.
In June 2011, Sergeant Candelario transferred to 3d Marine Regiment aboard Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Sgt Candelario became engaged with his Marines and the unit's operations tempo, supporting RimPac 2012 and
RimPac 2014 involving many coalition forces. In addition he volunteered in between and deployed for a fifth time with a detachment supporting LF CARAT in 2013.
Staff Sergeant Candelario transferred to Combat Logistics Battalion 22 initially serving as the Radio chief, but would eventually become the Battlion's Communications Chief. Gunnery Sergeant Candelario's most recent deployment was with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in June 2016 aboard the USS Wasp.
As of March 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Candelario checked into the SNCO Academy serving as a Faculty Advisor to the Sergeants School students. On April 15, 2019, GySgt Candelario was selected to become the SNCOIC for Sergeant's School and later finish his tour at the Career School SNCOIC.
In April 2021, GySgt Candelario checked into 9th Communications Battalion and became the SNCOIC of Capabilities Platoon, Company A then transitioned to Alpha Company's Operations Chief.
In March 2023, First Sergeant Candelario reported to 1st battalion 23rd Marine Regiment where he currently serves as the Inspector-Instructor Site-Support Houston in Texas.
First Sergeant Candelario's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 1 Gold star in lieu of 2nd award and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 Gold stars in lieu of 3rd award.