A vane assembly comprising: first and second annular metal rings (31, 48) configured to accept a compressed gas flow therebetween, wherein the first and second annular rings each include a cutout portion; a ceramic matrix composite vane configured as an airfoil having a blunt rounded nose and a flattened and tapered tail, wherein a first radial end of the vane is rigidly disposed on the first annular ring and a second radial end of the vane is slidably disposed within and through the cutout portion of the second annular ring such that the vane is encompassed by the first and second annular rings, wherein the vane is slidable within the cutout portion of the second annular ring in the radial direction, and wherein the vane includes a hollow through opening portion extending radially therethrough; and a metallic elongated member disposed within and extending through the hollow portion of the vane and through the cutout portion of the first annular ring, wherein the elongated member is held in position between a first attachment portion disposed radially inward from the first annular ring and coupled thereto and a second attachment portion disposed radially outward from the second annular ring and coupled thereto, wherein the elongated member extends radially outward beyond the second radial end of the vane to couple with the second attachment portion, wherein the elongated member is capable of accepting an axial load from the vane when an external force impinges axially against the vane, but wherein the elongated member remains free to slide radially along the vane and is not rigidly coupled to the vane. first and second annular metal rings (31, 48) configured to accept a compressed gas flow therebetween, wherein the first and second annular rings each include a cutout portion; a ceramic matrix composite vane configured as an airfoil having a blunt rounded nose and a flattened and tapered tail, wherein a first radial end of the vane is rigidly disposed on the first annular ring and a second radial end of the vane is slidably disposed within and through the cutout portion of the second annular ring such that the vane is encompassed by the first and second annular rings, wherein the vane is slidable within the cutout portion of the second annular ring in the radial direction, and wherein the vane includes a hollow through opening portion extending radially therethrough; and a metallic elongated member disposed within and extending through the hollow portion of the vane and through the cutout portion of the first annular ring, wherein the elongated member is held in position between a first attachment portion disposed radially inward from the first annular ring and coupled thereto and a second attachment portion disposed radially outward from the second annular ring and coupled thereto, wherein the elongated member extends radially outward beyond the second radial end of the vane to couple with the second attachment portion, wherein the elongated member is capable of accepting an axial load from the vane when an external force impinges axially against the vane, but wherein the elongated member remains free to slide radially along the vane and is not rigidly coupled to the vane.